The Craig Bellamy clause in new Titans coach Josh Hannay‘s contract shows Gold Coast have not given up on landing the master coach. Bellamy was linked with a shock coaching switch earlier this year, amid reports he wants to be closer to his extended family in Queensland.
Ultimately, he chose to remain at the Storm next year before guiding Melbourne into a record 11th NRL grand final under his reign. But Gold Coast’s eagerness to land the veteran mentor has been highlighted once more after AAP revealed Hannay signed on as Titans coach knowing full well that Bellamy could take his job in 2027, if he decides to make the switch.
Josh Hannay (R) signed a three-year deal to coach the Titans but could be replaced by Craig Bellamy in 2027 in a move that would bring the Melbourne coach closer to his family. Pic: Getty
AAP reported that Hannay agreed on the clause when he signed the three-year deal to succeed Des Hasler as Gold Coast coach, knowing he would become Bellamy’s assistant in 2027 if the 66-year-old wanted the head coaching role. It’s understood Gold Coast spoke to Bellamy before appointing Hannay, with a head-coaching job one of several positions they would be open to offering him, alongside other off-field roles.
It remains to be seen whether the three-time premiership-winning mentor would have the appetite to remain in the head coaching hot seat when his glittering tenure at Melbourne comes to an end. Bellamy has been linked to a coaching director role previously and he’d be the perfect candidate to transform the club and put structures in place to deliver sustained, long-term success at the Titans.
And the fact Bellamy’s daughter and grandkids all live in Queensland, makes it an attractive proposition for the 66-year-old when he is ready to move on from Melbourne. Bellamy also owns two units on the Gold Coast and could see it as an ideal landing spot for his next career adventure, in order to be able to spend more time with his family.
Craig Bellamy could be keen to move to Queensland to be closer to his family. Image: Getty
Titans reiterate their stance on landing Craig Bellamy
Gold Coast officials have been open about their desire to ‘welcome Bellamy and his family in any capacity’ but have thrown their support behind rookie coach Hannay, despite sidestepping questions around the Bellamy clause in his contract. “We are very excited to have Josh Hannay joining us as our head coach from 2026,” Titans CEO Steve Mitchell told AAP.
“All employee contractual arrangements remain strictly confidential, and as such, we will not be making public comment. We acknowledge Craig’s exceptional coaching credentials and reputation within the game and like many NRL clubs, would welcome him and his family in any capacity.”
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Hannay has spoken publicly about his desire to turn the Titans around, motivated by the challenge of taking Gold Coast to their first NRL grand final. He takes the reins at the Titans after impressing as Craig Fitzgibbons’ assistant coach at Cronulla for the past three seasons, and also being part of Billy Slater’s victorious Queensland State of Origin coaching staff.
Incoming Gold Coast coach Josh Hannay (R) was part of Billy Slater’s (L) coaching staff for Queensland’s victorious State of Origin campaign in 2025. Pic: Getty
The first-year coach will begin his maiden pre-season in charge of the Titans next month, and has begun undertaking a significant roster shake-up at the club. Hannay has sanctioned the release of three players this month, with David Fifita also given permission to go. It’s understood he’s exploring a swap deal for Dragons half Lachlan Ilias, which would see Titans outside back Phillip Sami head the other way.
Hannay is keen to stamp his mark but probably also understands that most clubs would jump at the opportunity to land Bellamy, even if many league fans find the situation baffling. Bellamy signed a five-year deal with Melbourne in 2021 that allowed him to decide whether he wanted to continue coaching on a year-by-year basis. He then took up the option for the fifth year of that deal in June, but has not made a decision on what he wants to do beyond the end of 2026.
with AAP