NRL greats Corey Parker and Greg Alexander have let rip at the Gold Coast Titans over more apparent ‘instability’ at the club with reports emerging the club could still chase Craig Bellamy. NRL fans have been left stunned when an AAP report claimed there was a clause in new coach Josh Hannay’s contract, which could see him become Bellamy’s assistant if the Storm coach took the job in 2027.
Bellamy was linked with a shock coaching switch earlier this year, amid reports he wants to be closer to his extended family in Queensland. But Bellamy remained at the helm of the Storm and took the side to a record 11th NRL grand final under his tenure.
Corey Parker was stunned after an AAP report claimed there was a clause in new coach Josh Hannay’s (pictured right) contract, which would see him become Craig Bellamy’s assistant if the Storm coach took the job in 2027. (Images: Getty Images)
The new Titans coach hasn’t even started his first pre-season yet with the players, but reports suggest his head coaching role could be short-lived if the club can get Bellamy to switch clubs. And the information coming out of the Titans has left Broncos legend Parker absolutely baffled.
A number of NRL clubs were reportedly keeping an eye on Hannay with the Queensland Maroons and Sharks assistant a highly-rated prospect within coaching circles. The Titans landed Hannay with fans looking forward to seeing his overhaul at the struggling club. He has already started stamping his authority on the roster with three players released this month.
But before he has even started pre-season the Titans have been hit with a storm surrounding his future role at the club. Speaking on Wednesday morning, Parker took a shot at the Titans over the messy situation and claimed it only added further instability in a role that has seen coaches come and go.
“There has been so much instability down on the Gold Coast,” Parker said on SEN Radio, before going into the signing of Hannay. “They do their due diligence and look at who may suit and fit. By all reports, Josh Hannay is an innovator, he’s young, understands the game and has been involved with the Queensland Maroons and Cronulla Sharks for a number of years.
“Everyone seemed to be content with it and then all of a sudden this. I’d expect general manager Scott Sattler to be front and centre to give everyone a clear view on what this looks like. Or does this keep bubbling away….the fans and players have this doubt and instability of what is going on.”
Craig Bellamy (pictured) was linked to a move to the Titans earlier this year, before signing on with the Melbourne Storm.
Greg Alexander questions Gold Coast Titans update
And Parker wasn’t the only one. Also speaking on Wednesday morning, Penrith legend Alexander felt the situation doesn’t reflect well on the club and their opinion on the new coach if the clause was indeed real.
“Josh is on holiday, somewhere in the world thinking that he hasn’t even started and the Titans are already trying to get rid of him,” Alexander added. “What is going on? I can’t believe this. I can’t believe the story.
“Pandora’s box has been opened and they can’t slam it shut. What sort of opinion do the Gold Coast Titans have of Josh Hannay if they are looking (at Bellamy) as a back-up option?”
New Titans coach Josh Hannay (pictured right) worked as an assistant coach to Billy Slater in State of Origin for a number of years.
Titans ‘would welcome’ Craig Bellamy at club
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. Although the club sidestepped 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.”
with AAP