Helensvale Hornets appoint former Titan as inaugural head coach

Helensvale’s selection is no stranger to the Gold Coast rugby league scene, having coaching Runaway Bay to the 2018 RLGC premiership before joining Souths Logan Magpies.

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The Helensvale Hornets have appointed former New Zealand international and Gold Coast Titan Clinton Toopi to lead their club to a historic inaugural A Grade debut as head coach.

Toopi is no stranger to the Gold Coast rugby league scene, having coaching Runaway Bay to the 2018 RLGC premiership before joining Souths Logan Magpies as an Intrust Super Cup assistant coach.

Helensvale president Wayne Court said Toopi was the standout from a strong group of applicants.

Helensvale Hornets New Rugby League Coach Clinton Toopi at Robert Dalley Park Helensvale. Photograph : Jason O'Brien

“Clinton is going to be a really good cultural fit,” Court said.

“He’s a good, decent human being and a really good fit for what we’ve been building culture-wise.

“He’s had some coaching experience and has aspirations to go further, which we’re excited to support.

“Clinton is a genuine bloke who’ll be a good leader and mentor for our young men.”

Toopi said a phone call to Preston Campbell, whose son Jayden played junior football at Helensvale, was the endorsement he needed to get on board.

Gold Coast Titans Vs Canterbury Bulldogs from Skilled Park, Robina - Jayden Campbell son of Titans Preston Campbell playing at half time

“Talking to a man of Preston’s character, who’s been so heavily involved with the club through his son, he spoke so highly of Courty and the Hornets and what they’re building towards,” Toopi said.

“That was important to me to get a bit of insight from a man like Presto.

“He told me how Helensvale’s weren’t jumping at the first chance they got, they wanted to make sure they had pathways coming through and financial viability and the support of the community.

“That spoke volumes to me and I’m pretty excited that I get to be a part of building on the foundations Helensvale have already built over the years.”

Helensvale Hornets New Rugby League Coach Clinton Toopi ( C ) with Assistant Coach Julius Kuresa ( LEFT ) and President Wayne Court ( RIGHT ) at Robert Dalley Park Helensvale. Photograph : Jason O'Brien

Toopi said his team would prioritise entertaining football with a backbone of the best structures he had learned over 154 NRL games with the Warriors and Titans.

Elements of the Melbourne Storm defence, particularly in their aggressive contact and wrestle, will also be a staple of his game plan.

Toopi stressed he would not go hunting for A Graders from rival clubs, choosing instead to build from within with players who desire to play for the club.

HOW IT STARTED