The Josh Hannay era at Gold Coast is underway after a shock bid for Craig Bellamy was aborted.
The Titans on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to Hannay, who’s officially begun his role as the team’s new coach for the next three seasons.
There had been reports Hannay would have to step aside into an assistant role — a year into his head coaching job with the Titans — in order to placate Bellamy who would assume head coaching duties in 2027 if the legendary coach decided to sign with the Gold Coast.
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However, the Titans have committed to Hannay as their man, despite going after five-time premiership coach Bellamy.
“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,” Gold Coast chairman Dennis Watt said in a statement.
“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.”
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Hannay was supportive of the Titans’ ambitious approach.
“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 were interested in adding Bellamy in a coaching director or mentor-type role to work with and help guide Hannay for 2027 and not as the club’s head coach.
Bellamy will continue at Melbourne in 2026 after the Storm’s back-to-back grand final defeats, but it’s unclear what the future holds for the 66-year-old after next season.
There’s every chance he continues on at the Storm, but given Bellamy has close family ties on the Gold Coast, the Titans reached out to Bellamy earlier in the season to gauge his interest in a move to Queensland to finish his career.