NRL 2021: Titans culture boss Mal Meninga signs a two-year extension

He has helped build a formidable roster on the Gold Coast and newly re-signed Mal Meninga is ready to deliver the Titans the NRL’s ultimate prize.

NRL Immortal Mal Meninga has pledged his future to the Titans as the Gold Coast culture boss looks to spearhead the club’s quest for a maiden premiership.

News Corp can reveal Meninga has inked a two-year extension with the Titans, shutting the door on speculation the Australian Test coach could quit the Coast to preside over a proposed second Brisbane team under the NRL’s expansion plans.

Meninga originally signed a three-year deal in November 2018, which expires this season, but the Titans have acted decisively, securing their senior adviser for a second term until the end of 2023.

Watch The 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Live & On-Demand with No Ad-Breaks During Play. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

The Queensland legend has been instrumental in the planned rebirth of the Titans, playing a leading role in the negotiations that saw the Titans successfully poach Origin stars David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui this season.

There were fears Meninga, who is based in Canberra, could walk away to take on a new challenge, but the Gold Coast culture chief says there is unfinished business as the Titans chase a watershed title in the coming seasons.

Mal Meninga has been a pivotal figure in the rebirth of the Gold Coast Titans. Picture: Jerad Williams

“You can see what is building at the Gold Coast and I’m excited to remain a part of that,” he said. “The Titans catchment stretches from Logan to Lismore and we want to build a club that people right through the Gold Coast region can be proud of.

“Our participation numbers continue to grow and we’re bringing more and more local juniors through the Titans pathway programs, giving them a local team to aspire to.

“I’m still energised by the challenge and I want to continue to help to drive the Titans towards success.”

Aside from brokering deals for Fifita and Fa’asuamaleaui, Meninga also played a pivotal role in snaring former St Helens coach Justin Holbrook, who impressed in his maiden year in the NRL last season.

The former Queensland coach is a proven winner, clinching a staggering nine Origin titles, and has plans to help the Titans become a legitimate premiership force during his fresh two-year tenure.

“Our target is to win comps,” he said.

“Clubs are judged by results on the field but without the right structures off the field, you don’t win premierships.

“I’m not going to shy away from that, we want to win premierships but a lot of things have to fall your way.

“Our vision is to be a dominant club, we want to be pushing for finals footy every year and putting ourselves in the picture to win premierships.

“The whole eco-system of the club has to be healthy to be challenging for comps and you have to have the right processes on and off the field.”

Mal Meninga played a key role and luring star forward David Fifita to the Titans. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Titans chairman Dennis Watt lauded Meninga’s influence and aura at the club.

“Mal joined the club in 2018 and has already had a huge impact on the Titans, in particular in setting the culture and connecting the club with the Gold Coast community,” Watt said.

“Mal has played a huge role in some of the most important decisions in the club‘s history. Mal was heavily involved in the recruitment of Justin Holbrook as our coach and players like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and David Fifita.

“Any team in the competition would want Mal Meninga as part of their staff and we’re thrilled that he continues to believe in what we’re building on the Gold Coast and wants to be a part of that.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: Titans culture boss Mal Meninga signs a two-year extension