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On his first official day as a head coach, Josh Hannay declared he was ready to take on one of the NRL’s most daunting challenges: transforming the Gold Coast Titans into a premiership contender.
After managing just two finals appearances since 2010 under multiple mentors, Hannay replaced Des Hasler with a vision to rescue the outfit and chart a path to its maiden title – undaunted by the task ahead.
“I’m not putting a ceiling on what this club can achieve, and when we might be able to achieve that. What I want to do is, I think we need to earn back the trust and respect of our local community and supporters,” Hannay said.
New Gold COast Titans head coach Josh Hannay.Credit: AAPIMAGE
“The challenges certainly don’t scare me. I stand here really confident I’m ready to take this role on.”
Keeping the skipper and “future of this club”
Hasler’s axing triggered questions on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s future, who despite inking a 10-year contract, has player option in his favour which frees him to negotiate with rivals for 2027.
The Kangaroos’ enforcer wants to achieve the ultimate team success, and Hannay believed plans had been put in place to show his leader brighter times beckoned.
“Tino’s not dissimilar to any elite player in any professional sport – they want success, they’re driven by success, but there’s a little bit more to it,” Hannay said of his captain.
“They want to be in an environment where there’s personal development going on as well, they want to be in an environment where it’s a pleasure to come to work every day. First thing’s first, we create that environment.
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“I’ve had some really honest discussions with Tino. One of the reasons I was so enthusiastic to come here and coach was to coach Tino, and he knows that.
“I know he has a passion for this club. I know what he wants, he knows what I’m all about, so we’ll see where that goes.”
Fa’asuamaleaui is joined on the open market by Jayden Campbell.
Despite coming through the ranks as a fullback, the son of club great Preston Campbell has been earmarked as the long-term No.7, a role the Titans have struggled to fill since the departure of Jamal Fogarty.
“He’s a terrific young man who I believe is the future of this club,” Hannay said.
“I’ve been really open with my thoughts and feelings about Jayden’s ability as a half, but also his ability to get better and become one of the absolute best in our game in that position.”
Fifita’s departure
Hannay’s biggest move was moving David Fifita on, who has signed with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The Titans’ multimillion-dollar man failed to attain the heights of his potential, despite boasting eight State of Origin caps and a reputation for one of rugby league’s most damaging edge forwards.
Fifita managed just eight NRL games in 2025 through injury and his demotion to Queensland Cup, but Hannay was adamant there were no hard feelings between club and player.
David Fifita has left the Titans for the Rabbitohs.Credit: Getty
“It wasn’t an easy decision, he’s a player I go back with and there’s a personal relationship there. At the end of the day, we both came to the conclusion it was in his best interest for a fresh start,” Hannay said.
“Things haven’t worked out on the Gold Coast for Dave, and it was in the club’s best interest to go in a different direction. It’s allowed us to reshape our roster for the better and to create a deeper roster.
“We leave on really great terms. I want to see that kid kick on, he’s an enormous talent, and we haven’t seen the best of him yet.
“If that’s at another club, then so be it.”
Roster shake up
Hannay was quick to reshape what he felt was a “top-heavy” roster – releasing Fifita, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Carter Gordon early, while not retaining a host of others off contract following Kieran Foran’s retirement.
He has since bolstered the squad’s depth with halfback Lachlan Ilias, hooker Luke Sommerton, emerging centre Jensen Taumoepeau and Queensland Cup battlers Adam Christensen and Oliver Pascoe.
Hannay said he would not be “pressured into going out and buying the most talented player on the market”, but would seek to recruit character over talent.
Lachlan Ilias was in great form in the NSW Cup, but couldn’t get a start in the top grade at the Dragons.Credit: NRL Photos
“What we have at the top end of our roster is elite, but when I looked at it from a holistic sense I felt we needed to raise the floor, not the ceiling,” Hannay said.
“We needed to add more depth, create more competition. There’s work to be done, but I stand here far happier with where the roster is than was three months ago.”
Hannay also revealed England fullback AJ Brimson – forced to shuffle around the backline due to Keano Kini’s presence – would have the opportunity to cement the five-eighth duties.
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“Versatility can be a strength, and it can be a hinderance. I really want to give him an opportunity as our No.6 next year, and he needs to show he is capable of being that guy,” Hannay said of Brimson.
“We’ve seen what he’s capable of, but I still don’t think we’ve seen his best because he’s bounced around so much. I’d love to be the coach who gives him some clarity.”
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