Burleigh Bears boss Damian Driscoll backs Jimmy Lenihan as option for Gold Coast Titans

Burleigh Bears chief executive Damian Driscoll believes veteran Intrust Super Cup coach Jimmy Lenihan should form part of the way forward for the Gold Coast Titans in the aftermath of Garth Brennan’s axing.

BURLEIGH Bears chief executive Damian Driscoll believes veteran Intrust Super Cup coach Jimmy Lenihan should form part of the way forward for the Gold Coast Titans in the aftermath of Garth Brennan’s axing.

Brennan’s time as coach was cut short despite him having another 18 months to run on his contract, with the NRL club announcing his departure on Sunday.

Jimmy Lenihan (middle) at his usual Pizzey Park perch. Picture: AAP Image/David Clark

The wide-held consensus is the Titans will look for an experienced head coach to try to resurrect their playing fortunes, having taken a gamble on Brennan, who had been successful in lower grades but was previously untested at the top level.

Lenihan, however, could be a logical option to be part of the club’s next coaching set-up.

The 46-year-old, who played for Gold Coast Seagulls in 1995, has coached the Bears in 209 ISC games across two stints.

Lenihan was named 2016 Intrust Super Cup coach of the year. Picture: Regi Varghese

He has tasted particular success in the past four years, winning 59 of 90 games since the start of the 2016 season – including that year’s grand final.

“He has done his dues in the Queensland Cup. I wouldn’t think you will find a better coach in the Queensland Cup than Jimmy,” said Driscoll, who praised his ability to bring a playing group together.

Burleigh Bears chief executive Damian Driscoll. Picture: Richard Gosling

It’s understood Lenihan would be open to challenging himself at a higher level if the opportunity arose and Driscoll said he wouldn’t look out of place.

“These things haven’t happened overnight with what he has implemented at Burleigh and now it is flowing right through the club,” Driscoll said.

“I truly believe he should be in an NRL system.”