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Josh Hannay 2026 megathread

Craig Bellamy’s Gold Coast Titans coaching role has fallen through, with Josh Hannay ready to lead the next era

Josh Hannay’s position of Titans head coach is safe for now, with legendary Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy officially out of the running for the Gold Coast job.

Peter Badel

and

Travis

The Titans have reaffirmed their commitment to new coach Josh Hannay after Craig Bellamy’s proposed move to the Gold Coast fell through.

This masthead can reveal the Hannay era is officially underway after the rookie NRL coach arrived on the Gold Coast on Friday primed to spearhead the Titans’ quest for a maiden premiership.

Hannay was rocked by a report last week that claimed the Titans had sounded out Bellamy for the Storm super coach to potentially take charge of the embattled Gold Coast club in 2027.

But the Titans have walked away from negotiations with Bellamy, convinced former Queensland Origin assistant Hannay is the right man to deliver the Gold Coast’s maiden premiership.

While Bellamy has flagged plans to relocate to the Gold Coast for family reasons, the 67-year-old will coach the Storm for a 24th consecutive season in 2026 and likely finish his career with Melbourne.



Bellamy will not usurp Hannay as Titans coach.

With the months of speculation over, Hannay has been rubber-stamped as the Titans’ head coach for the next three years and has the unqualified backing of club powerbrokers to lead a Gold Coast rescue.

Hannay stopped into Parkwood headquarters on Friday to meet with Titans bosses, including CEO Steve Mitchell and owner Rebecca Frizelle, and is ready to spearhead a Bellamy-free regime at the club.

“It’s great to officially get started with the Titans,” Hannay said.

“We’ve assembled a talented and driven team, and I’m confident we’re ready to build on something truly special here on the Gold Coast.



“There’s a lot of hard work ahead, but we’re energised and completely united in our vision.”

The Titans had held preliminary dialogue with Bellamy before the formal appointment of Hannay. That sparked suggestions the Storm champion could quit Melbourne to embark on a new challenge at the Titans, either as head coach or coaching director to help mentor Hannay.

The Titans were mindful of Hannay preparing to lead the club’s 2026 pre-season from November 1 and didn’t want the Bellamy speculation to drag on for months.

“Craig Bellamy’s legacy in the game speaks for itself,” Titans chairman Dennis Watt said.

“His interest in returning to Queensland is well known, and as a club committed to success and excellence, we had a responsibility to explore every possibility that could strengthen our future and secure the expertise of the most successful coach in the modern era.



Hannay is ready to lead the Titans into a new era.

“We make no apologies for pursuing the best. That’s what ambitious and successful organisations do.

“While we don’t comment on confidential contractual matters, we can say that much of the recent commentary has been inaccurate.”

Watt stressed the Titans did not keep Hannay in the dark about their talks with Bellamy.

“Throughout this process, Josh and his management have been fully informed and engaged,” he said.

“Their professionalism and support for our decision in securing Craig Bellamy has been unwavering.”

The 45-year-old Hannay said he was not offended by the Gold Coast’s interest in luring Bellamy from the Storm.

“I’ve been involved in discussions about Craig’s potential involvement before I accepted the role,” he said.

“The opportunity to work alongside someone of his calibre would be a tremendous asset for our club, our players, and for me personally in my first role as a head

coach.

Bellamy is preparing for one last dance with the Storm. Pictures: Adam Head

“I’m proud to be part of a club that thinks boldly and acts with integrity.”

It is understood Bellamy wasn’t ready to make a definitive call on his future immediately and Frizelle confirmed discussions with the Melbourne master coach have now concluded.

Frizelle backed Hannay, one of the most promising rising coaches in the code, to turn the Titans into a finals force.

“We are unapologetically ambitious,” Frizelle said.

“Our responsibility is to invest in the Titans’ future, not just for next season, but for the decades to come.

“We’re putting the right people in the right places at the right time.

“Every decision we make is about building a club that can deliver sustained success and become a true powerhouse for the Gold Coast.

“We owe this to our city, our community and fans, our players and the game itself.”
 
Cheers for posting Giant, definitely sounds like him joining us in a higher role could still be possible. “Wasn’t ready to make a definitive call on his future”
 
Personally, I don't pay any attention to articles that include the words "this Masthead", as the writer confirms him/herself as a complete deadsh!t IMO.

They ignore Josh saying he was talking about Bellamy with the Titans before he took the job, to beat up a conflict that isn't there. It's worth remembering that these turds work for the Broncos and have and will do anything to wipe us out. At our kindest, we should ignore them.

<Insert one of Titanic's Chinese insults here>
 
I’d say the moment the story of Bellamy coming here leaked to the media killed any hope of him coming especially the timing of it.
I know it’s a bit of a long bow to draw and I’d be happy to be proven wrong but with the journalist that I’m aware that broke the story Scott Bailey from AAP who is on SEN radio weekly is there a chance that Scott Sattler had told someone about the clause for Bellamy from SEN who passed on the info. The club has a proven record of keeping this stuff pretty much under wraps till they announce it I believe it’s too much of a coincidence that this got out especially from a journalist from AAP who barely ever break news.
 
So Foz defects to Manly, Tino turns heel, Bellamy unlikely to come here in any capacity, all in the space of 3 days… the club needs a win, yesterday.
It's been a nasty series of blows, one after another. I never thought Bellamy was going to coach us and him coming later in a different capacity is realistic. But the entire Titans fanbase were grabbed and taken along for the ride. And the Tino stuff, and while he is over in the UK with the Roos. Disapointing.

On the good news front, great to see Hannay is on duty. We didn't want these other detours.
 
Hannay officially starts as a Titan

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Josh Hannay officially commenced his role today as head coach of the Gold Coast Titans, joining his newly appointed coaching staff as preparations intensify ahead of pre-season training next month.

A proud Queenslander, Hannay shared his excitement about returning to his home state and embracing the opportunity to lead the Titans.

“It’s great to officially get started with the Titans,” Hannay said.

“We’ve assembled a talented and driven team, and I’m confident we’re ready to build something truly special here on the Gold Coast.

“There’s a lot of hard work ahead, but we’re energised and completely united in our vision.”

The Gold Coast Titans reaffirmed their full commitment to Hannay, who will lead the club for the next three seasons.

Chairman Dennis Watt addressed recent media speculation surrounding Craig Bellamy, acknowledging the club’s proactive approach.

“Craig Bellamy’s legacy in the game speaks for itself. His interest in returning to Queensland is well known, and as a club committed to success and excellence, we had a responsibility to explore every possibility that could strengthen our future and secure the expertise of the most successful coach in the modern era,” Watt said.

“We make no apologies for pursuing the best. That’s what ambitious and successful organisations do.

“While we don’t comment on confidential contractual matters, we can say that much of the recent commentary has been inaccurate.”

Throughout this process, Josh and his management have been fully informed and engaged.

“Their professionalism and support for our decision in securing Craig Bellamy has been unwavering.”

Hannay echoed the club’s ambition and transparency.

“I’ve been involved in discussions about Craig’s potential involvement since before I accepted the role,” he said.

“The opportunity to work alongside someone of his calibre would be a tremendous asset for our club, our players, and for me personally in my first role as a head coach.

"I’m proud to be part of a club that thinks boldly and acts with integrity.”

The Titans respect Bellamy’s decision to defer any commitments beyond 2026 and confirm that discussions on the matter have now concluded.

Club owner Rebecca Frizelle OAM reinforced the organisation’s long-term vision.

“We are unapologetically ambitious. Our responsibility is to invest in the Titans’ future, not just for next season, but for the decades to come,” Frizelle said.

“We’re putting the right people in the right places at the right time. Every decision we make is about building a club that can deliver sustained success and become a true powerhouse for the Gold Coast - we owe this to our city, our community and fans, our players and the game itself.”

With Hannay now officially on board and pre-season preparations underway, the Titans remain focused on building a foundation for long-term success.
 
At no point have I thought Bellamy will be involved with the club even if he moves here

Did get my hopes up a bit

Hope I'm wrong
 
“The Titans respect Bellamy’s decision to defer any commitments beyond 2026 and confirm that discussions on the matter have now concluded.”

I would say the matter of Bellamy coming here in a capacity other than as Head Coach is still not fully off the table. It is just that Bellamy wants to consider it further at some future point of time.
 
Murphy returns to Titans

The Titans are set to welcome back experienced NRL mentor Steve Murphy who will join Josh Hannay’s coaching staff in 2026.

Having previously worked under inaugural coach John Cartwright from 2006-2013, the long-time assistant was pivotal in helping Gold Coast to their maiden finals appearance in 2009 and subsequent preliminary finals berth the following season.

Known for his tactical nous and high football IQ, Murphy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience back to the Titans after spending over a decade as Brad Arthur’s right-hand man at the Parramatta Eels before most recently serving as the Manly Sea Eagles’ development coach and training coordinator.

Titans head coach Josh Hannay said he was excited to welcome Murphy to his new-look coaching staff.

“Steve brings over two decades of experience in the NRL and I am thrilled to have him join us here at the Titans,” Hannay said.

“He has a very strong understanding of the game, and a real desire to develop players.

“His long-term connection to the Gold Coast, combined with his extensive coaching experience, makes him an exceptional addition to our team.”

Murphy joins Brian McDermott and Brad Davis as Hannay’s assistants ahead of pre-season commencing in early November.
 
From today’s Courier Mail- Travis Meyn
Gold Coast Titans coach Josh Hannay explains his decision to axe David Fifita among $2 million roster overhaul

It didn’t take Josh Hannay long to make his mark on the Gold Coast Titans, axing over $2 million worth of talent including star prop David Fifita - here’s why he wasn’t afraid to make the move.

Titans coach Josh Hannay has spoken about his $2 million roster purge after finalising the support team he hopes can lift Gold Coast out of the NRL’s cellar.

Hannay will officially launch his Titans revival late next week when Gold Coast players begin reporting for 2026 pre-season training.

It has been a rollercoaster start for Hannay in his first full-time NRL head coaching role since it was announced in August that he would replace Des Hasler.

Hannay has wasted no time putting his stamp on the Titans, releasing the likes of Reagan Campbell-Gillard (London), Carter Gordon (Wallabies), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Warriors) and soon-to-be Rabbitohs recruit David Fifita.

He also overhauled the club’s coaching unit, farewelling Hasler’s assistants Jim Lenihan, Brett White and Michael Monaghan.

Fifita was one of a number of key Titans shown the door by Hannay. Picture: NRL Images

Hannay was last week at the centre of a storm after it emerged publicly that the Titans were courting Melbourne super coach Craig Bellamy. Gold Coast has since abandoned that pursuit.

Hannay, 45, said Gold Coast’s playing roster needed a shake-up following four consecutive bottom four finishes and that’s why he was willing to farewell former Maroons wrecking ball Fifita.

“I felt like from the outside looking in when I first got the role that there was certainly some change that needed to be undertaken to the roster,” he said.

“When people look at the Gold Coast Titans roster, they always talk about the big names and the pointy end of our roster.

“There’s such quality at the top end of our roster, but I looked at the depth of the roster and felt that was a real area of need. We needed to not raise our ceiling but raise our floor.

HANNAY'S HIT LIST
  • Reagan Campbell-Gillard (London)
  • Carter Gordon (Wallabies)
  • Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Warriors)
  • David Fifita (Rabbitohs)
“I’ve got to give Anthony Laffranchi (recruitment manager) enormous credit. It’s one thing to want to make some moves with your roster, it’s another to be able to actually get out in the marketplace and find partners for the players that you potentially want to move on and replacements for those players.

“I feel like he deserves a lot of credit there, Anthony, for the job he’s been able to do.

“I sit here today really satisfied with where the roster currently sits in terms of creating a deeper squad.

“There’s more competition for positions, some key positions and that’s only going to help create a more competitive environment and football side.”

Hannay has signed Dragons halfback Lachlan Ilias and Penrith hooker Luke Sommerton.

If Fifita’s move is finalised, it will mean the Titans have been able to free up around $2 million of salary cap space to rebalance what was a lopsided roster.

Ilias will join the Titans after a disappointing year with the Red V. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Hannay has also settled on a coaching unit, with former Titans assistant coach Steve Murphy returning to the club following stints at Parramatta and Manly.

Murphy will link up with Newcastle recruit Brian McDermott and local favourite Brad Davis to assist Hannay’s new game style.

“There’s been a fair bit of change at the club with player movement and also staff movement,” Hannay said.

“We had to go out into a pretty competitive assistant coach market. There’s a lot of clubs making changes in that area this off-season.

“It’s a really competitive market and I feel really privileged and fortunate that we’ve been able to secure Brian McDermott and Steve Murphy.

“Brian is a guy that comes with a lot of experience, a wealth of knowledge, has runs on the board and he’s a proven winner. I’m really grateful to get him.

McDermott joins the Titans after a stint with Newcastle.
Murphy returns to the Gold Coast, after working for the team from 2006 to 2013.

“We’ve also been able to secure Steve Murphy, who’s no stranger to the people up here and the supporters of the Gold Coast Titans.

“He was one of the inaugural members of John Cartwright’s coaching staff, has a wealth of experience and comes with a great resume.

“He had success at Parramatta and the Sea Eagles didn’t want to lose him, but the stars aligned and he was really keen to get home and back involved with the club.

“I couldn’t be happier with the coaching staff we’ve been able to assemble.”
 
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