Titans CEO Steve Mitchell has explained the reasoning behind the appointment of Josh Hannay to be the club’s next head coach while also dropping a big hint over the future of David Fifita.
After a disappointing two seasons, Mitchell and the Titans decided to part ways with current coach Des Hasler.
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Hours after that was announced, the Titans revealed that Sharks and Maroons assistant Hannay will be the club’s sixth head coach, and the first Queenslander appointed to the role.
Hasler will coach out the season with Hannay to join his new post in the off-season.
Mitchell faced the music on Monday night’s episode of NRL360 where he was asked about Fifita, Hasler’s disappointing stint, if the club will be able to retain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and why the club went with Hannay.
WHEN DECISION WAS MADE TO PART WAYS WITH HASLER
Mitchell says Hasler has been “exceptional” in trying to turn the Titans’ fortunes around and that the blame can’t all “land on Des’ shoulders”.
“We’ve been in contact with Des and his manager throughout the year. The owners and board wanted to give Des every opportunity. The competition was quite tight this year and we weren’t far away from that middle order pack until a couple of weeks ago,” Mitchell said on NRL360.
“We are not where we want to be and that became apparent over the last few weeks.
“To Des’ is credit, he has been exceptional. He wants to coach the remaining two games.
“You can’t dispute his application and hard work. He’d almost live here if he could to make it work but it just hasn’t worked and we’re not where we want to be and he’s been mindful of that.”
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WHY HANNAY WAS HIRED … AND HOW IT COULD HELP RETAIN STARS
Hannay’s work as an assistant under Billy Slater for the Maroons since 2022 was a big reason why he was hired by the Titans, Mitchell revealed.
Hannay has pre-existing relationships with Titans and Maroons stars Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Moe Fotuaika, David Fifita and Beau Fermor as well as Jayden Campbell and Jojo Fifita, the latter two spending valuable time in Maroons camp this year.
“I think one of the really impressive things about Josh, not just as an assistant coach in the NRL and his interim roles, is his work with Billy Slater in the State of Origin program,” Mitchell said.
“The feedback that has come back to us from our players around their relationship with Josh and what he’s done with the likes of Tino, Moe, Beau and even Jayden Campbell and Joj Fifita went up and trained with the squad
“They all came back and talked about Josh’s influence on them and what they’ve seen.
“They are really confident in Josh and they know they have a coach that understands the program and what they can do.
“He’s very thorough, he’s going to apply himself and he’s excited about the opportunity of bringing success to the Gold Coast Titans.”
Furthermore, Mitchell feels Hannay’s hire will go a long way in being able to retain the likes of Fa’asuamaleaui and Campbell, both of whom have been linked with possible exits next season.
Fa’asuamaleaui has a clause in his deal which will allow him to leave at end of next season if he desires while Campbell can negotiate with rival clubs from November 1.
“I think that puts us in a good position to have a really honest conversation (with those players) about the future and what Josh’s vision is for the program and what success looks like so those conversations should be positive,” Mitchell said.
The Matty and Cronk show also discussed Hannay’s hiring, indicating Slater was a huge help in the process.
“Billy has big raps on him. Publicly he’s stated that but even behind closed doors, says that Josh Hannay is a big part what the Queensland team has been able to do under Billy,” Cooper Cronk said.
“They have to get this right. They need some success there. We’ve always said this but they have a talented enough side to play finals so maybe Josh Hannay is the guy.
“The Frizelle family has been very thorough. They reached out to Billy and like you said, Billy gave him enormous raps,” Matty Johns added.
Cronk also pinpointed Game III of this year’s Origin series as a factor in the Titans’ decision.
“Josh is the defensive coach for the Queensland team. If you look at Game III and what happened to Queensland and how they won, they designed a defensive system that spooked Nathan Cleary in a big game in that they were coming forward and coming back,” Cronk explained.
”That had to do with him (Hannay), so you have to give him credit.
“He cut his teeth at Souths Logan in the Queensland Cup for a couple of years. He’s been exposed at interim level as well.
“This isn’t a Hail Mary, I think this guy is ready. We’re about to find out.”
DAVID FIFITA’S FUTURE
Rumours have swirled in recent weeks over what star edge forward David Fifita’s future at the club looks like.
Despite being contracted for 2026, Fifita’s reportedly been given permission to negotiate with rivals, with Souths the favourite to land the damaging forward.
It’s been a tough year for Fifita, who has missed most of the season due to injury. When he was on the field, he didn’t have the impact you’d expect from a player of his ability.
There was also reports of a rift with Hasler, which begs the question, could Fifita be tempted to stay with Hasler now on the way out?
Veteran journalist Phil Rothfield asked Mitchell point blank if Fifita has been granted permission to look elsewhere.
“Buzz, I’ll answer it like this. We don’t talk recruitment or contracts but we want Dave playing footy,” Mitchell said.
“We want him up and going as a 25-year-old. When he’s on, he’s the best second rower in the game. Whether it’s here or somewhere else, we want him playing footy.”
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