Former Manly coach Geoff Toovey joins the race to take over as Gold Coast Titans coach

THE fight for the Titans job is intensifying with three former NSW Origin stars, including ex-Manly coach Geoff Toovey, vying to lead the embattled club.

Toovey’s previous success marks him out from the crowd. Picture: Toby Zerna

THE fight for the Titans job has intensified with three former NSW Origin stars, including ex-Manly grand-final coach Geoff Toovey, vying to take charge of the embattled Queensland club.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Titans hierarchy has fielded an expression of interest from Toovey, who is currently 16,000km away coaching Bradford in the English Super League.

But Toovey faces a battle to secure a formal interview, with Sydney Roosters great Craig Fitzgibbon and former Tigers coach Jason Taylor also eyeing off one of the toughest jobs in the NRL.

It is believed the three one-time NSW Origin representatives are among the 11 coaches who have outlined their desire to rebuild the Titans following the sacking of Neil Henry.

Penrith lower-grade coach Garth Brennan, who is rated highly by Panthers supremo Phil Gould and will assist New Zealand at this year’s World Cup, is also in the running.

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Toovey’s previous success marks him out from the crowd. Picture: Toby Zerna

Titans bosses have also received interest from close quarters, with Intrust Super Cup premiership-winning coaches Ben and Shane Walker (Ipswich) throwing their hats in the ring.

But Toovey shapes as a frontline contender given his success in steering the Sea Eagles to the 2013 NRL grand final, which they lost to the Roosters.

It is understood Titans hierarchy are keen for Henry’s successor to have some playing pedigree and profile to help garner instant respect from the Gold Coast playing group.

Toovey ticks the boxes on several fronts. Now 48, Toovey amassed 286 first-grade games during a stellar career with Manly and the Northern Eagles, which also saw him tally 16 Origin matches for NSW and 13 Tests for Australia.

During his 13-year career, the hooker or halfback was famed as one of the code’s toughest small men, a reputation that would not be lost on Titans players.

Fitzgibbon has coach the NSW Country Origin side. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Fitzgibbon also enjoyed a decorated career as a NSW and Test tackling machine who has taken strides in the coaching world with the NSW Country Origin side in the past two seasons.

Taylor also boasts a fine playing record, compiling 276 first-grade games, but his turbulent coaching stints at Parramatta, Souths and the Tigers could count against him.

Souths coach Michael Maguire and Canterbury’s Des Hasler have also been linked to the Titans post, but Broncos legend Steve Renouf believes the club could benefit from a Queenslander’s touch.

“I don’t think Des Hasler is the right fit,” Renouf said.

“Michael Maguire has won a premiership at Souths but the Titans are a Queensland club and Kevin Walters is a Queensland legend. He would bring some credibility to the club and he has an aura about him.

“It’s important the Titans get a coach who has been there done that, I don’t know if a rookie would work.

“Kevvie has won two Origin series so I’d like to see him get the nod.”

Originally published as Former Manly coach Geoff Toovey joins the race to take over as Gold Coast Titans coach