Josh Hannay is wasting no time making his mark at the Titans.

Early into his tenure, the new Titans coach is attempting to create a winning culture and help turnaround the fortunes of a team who has won just one finals game since its 2007 entry into the comp.

Hannay’s already made some tough roster. Perhaps more importantly though, he is out to lift the mood and change the “mindset” of the locker room in the wake of former coach Des Hasler’s departure.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Watch the 2026 NRL Pre-season series plus the All-Star matches LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

It was a rough trot for the Titans under Hasler, who the club unceremoniously dropped Justin Holbrook for in mid-2023.

With just 14 wins in the past two seasons under Hasler, there hasn’t been much to smile about at Parkwood.

Hasler clearly lost the locker room. They needed a fresh start.

Enter Hannay, who has quickly given this team a spark, as revealed by a couple of Titans stars.

“I feel like the environment is very positive this year,” outside back Jojo Fifita told Code Sports.

“Everyone’s coming to training and they actually want to train, which is a big (change) from how we used to be.

“Our mindset altogether was just pretty negative over the last couple of years.”

Fullback Keano Kini believes the playing group is “more connected than it’s ever been”.

“The mood’s been really good, really positive,” Kini said.

“We don’t want to say too much because we can say all these positive things and then come to the field and it’s different.

“We’re pretty confident in what we’re doing and we just want to prove it on the field.”

SECRET WEAPON IN ROOSTERS’ TITLE HUNT

Everyone’s coming to training and they actually want to train, which is a big (change) from how we used to be.“Our mindset altogether was just pretty negative over the last couple of years.

“The group’s probably been more connected than it’s ever been. The mood’s been really good, really positive.

The Roosters have a secret weapon for their pursuit of a premiership in 2026 – and it’s not anyone on the playing roster.

Roosters skipper James Tedesco has revealed the addition of former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika to the club’s coaching staff is going to show favourable results.

Cheika is a coaching specialist and forwards coach on Trent Robinson’s staff and brings a wealth of experience in high-level setups.

In addition to the Wallabies, Cheika has also coached the Argentinian national team in rugby union as well as a stint as the coach of the Lebanon rugby league side.

Tedesco says Cheika has wasted no time making an influence on the talented squad.

He’s running the defensive part with the middle forwards, and the attack and defence (in the forwards),” Tedesco said on SEN.

“He’s obviously had a lot of experience internationally coaching rugby and different teams but I think his involvement will definitely be motivational.

“I think he’s still been learning the ins and outs of the details of rugby league but I think his motivation and his intensity and how he speaks to us, especially in the tackling and the wrestling, that’s been a real highlight. That’s going to show its teeth soon really, I think.”

The Roosters fullback also spoke on the influence flashy new recruits Reece Robson and Daly Cherry-Evans will have on the spine.

“They’re going to be unreal,” Tedesco said.

“I think the big thing for me that’s added a lot of value is just their leadership.

“Obviously, Cherry’s been a captain and leader for a long time now… and then Reece at nine, touching the ball every tackle, he’s got to be in control of that.

“Their clear communication (and) leadership’s been a real highlight and a benefit for me.”

The Roosters will be unveiling a new-look spine with Daly Cherry-Evans (pictured) and Reece Robson joining the club.Source: Supplied Source Known

SLIMMED DOWN COBBO IMPRESSING AT NEW CLUB

Dolphins recruit Selwyn Cobbo is making every post a winner at his new club, showing off a slimmer figure and impressing all the right people this pre-season.

After struggling to keep his spot in first grade at the Broncos last year, Cobbo searched elsewhere for an opportunity, signing a one-year ‘prove-it’ deal with the Dolphins.

That means the 23-year-old is technically a free agent and could sign with any team for 2027 and beyond.

The former Maroons star is keen to revive his career this season and put himself in the shop window for potential suitors.

He’s off to a good start, dropping nearly 10kg according to Code Sports and leaving Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf very happy with the state of his new-look backline.

“He’s been great, he’s a great personality and he fits in really well,” Woolf said.

“Everyone loves what he’s brought from that point of view off the field and he’s turned up nice and fit.

“He’s fit in really well training wise and you can just see the class that he’s got.

“He’s going to really add to us in so many ways on and off the field. Everyone’s really happy with him being around and really happy with what he’s going to bring to us.”

Selwyn Cobbo.Source: Instagram