Gold Coast Titans: who will be the next coach as club bosses outline road ahead

The Gold Coast Titans have revealed a number of people have approached the club about the head coach role, with the quality of candidates applying said to be “impressive”.

Gold Coast Titans Executive chairman Dennis Watt says he is “impressed” by the calibre of candidates approaching the club for the new head coach role.

In a message sent to members today, Watt said a “thorough process” to find a replacement for Garth Brennan had already begun, but the Titans would take a measured approach to the appointment to ensure the successful candidate is the right fit for the club.

He warned members that the club would not be rushed into a decision.

Titans chair Dennis Watt on the future of the club’s coaching ranks. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

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Fans on Facebook have speculated about a replacement. Maroons coach Kevin Walters has ruled himself out to focus on State of Origin next year.

But the contenders mentioned include South assistant Jason Demetriou, former Manly coach Geoff Toovey, Anthony Griffin who was at Brisbane and the Penrith, Bulldogs legend Jim Dymock, Ipswich Jets innovators Shane and Ben Walker and St Helens boss Justin Holbrook

Watt did not speculate on a likely replacement but admitted the past few weeks had been “disappointing for our organisation”.

“The Titans are looking forward with a strong sense of optimism, particularly given the outstanding credentials of the candidates who have been put forward for the role of Head Coach,” he said.

“This is obviously a critical decision for the club’s immediate future, and one that will not be rushed, nor taken lightly.

“However, the quality of the candidates so far shows that the wider rugby league community shares our view that the Titans have enormous potential to become a powerhouse in the NRL, with our junior development pathways and ongoing community support.”

Former coach Garth Brennan looks on during the Gold Coast Titans training session. Picture: AAP.

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Watt reconfirmed that Titans Assistant Coaches Craig Hodges and Luke Burt would take over the running of the NRL squad as interim Head Coaches for the remainder of the 2019 season.

Titans Head of Performance and Culture Mal Meninga will provide greater hands-on assistance and guidance to the interim coaches where required.

“We are indeed very fortunate with the quality of coaches that we currently have available at the club to ensure we finish this season as positively and successfully as we can,” Watt said.

“Craig and Luke will take over the day-to-day running of the NRL squad, but we are in the enviable position of being able to call on the knowledge and experience of a rugby league Immortal and current Australian coach in Mal to help us through this period.

“The Titans are determined to begin building for the future. We are committed to making this club successful for the people of the Gold Coast, and for the NRL.

“The first step in that process is to finish this season strongly on the field to create a platform for our new Head Coach to build upon.”