Queensland coach Kevin Walters could replace Garth Brennan at Titans
After missing out on the Brisbane job, Maroons coach Kevin Walters could finally get his long-desired NRL job should Gold Coast axe under-pressure coach Garth Brennan.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters has emerged as a genuine candidate to coach Gold Coast should the Titans sack under-pressure coach Garth Brennan.
The Daily Telegraph can also reveal former Manly coach Trent Barrett has been mentioned as a potential replacement should a club review recommend a change of coach.
Walters has won two series at State of Origin coach and leads this year’s series one-nil after victory last Wednesday night.
He has always attracted enormous support and loyalty from his players and former Queensland greats.
While thriving on coaching his Maroons, Walters has long told of a desire to coach at NRL level. He has previously been linked to the Titans but failed to nail down the head coaching position.
Brennan has battled as Titans coach over the past 18 months, winning just 12 of 36 games, his immediate future uncertain.
A robust win against Queensland rivals Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium will ease some pressure on Brennan.
A lacklustre end to the season, which would include missing the finals, would just about end Brennan’s tenure at Robina.
An internal review of Gold Coast’s football department, to be led by Titans head of performance and culture, Mal Meninga, will determine Brennan’s future.
Brennan, who signed a one-year extension during the off-season, said recently: “It is a results-driven business. Myself and Mal and the players … we understand that is the nature of the industry we are in.’’
Barrett remains contracted to Manly until next month when his 12 month notice expires.
The former Dragons star helped NSW out on the training field before Origin I and expressed a desire to return to coaching.
Despite Sunday’s win, Gold Coast has endured a disappointing and frustrating season.
Star recruit Tyrone Peachey may walk away to re-join Penrith while halfback Ash Taylor has been granted leave to address personal issues.
It appears Gold Coast may be shifting from its long-term strategy and push Brennan out sooner than most expected.
Gold Coast sit second last on the competition table, two points ahead of Canterbury, who could draw level with a win over St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium on Monday.
Meninga’s review will be presented to the club’s board in the new few weeks.
The Titans have won just four games all year, a season or promise quickly turning to mediocrity.
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