Fermor was also believed to be high on the Bears\u2019 radar, with the man himself confirming there was some interest away from the Gold Coast in his services.<\/p>\n
However, the one-time Maroon believed change was afoot under Hannay, and the former Queensland State of Origin assistant coach could facilitate his return to the representative arena.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had a bit of interest [from other clubs], but I think deep down I didn\u2019t want to leave anyway. Having discussions with Josh over the off season and seeing the direction he wants to head the club in is something I could really get on board with,\u201d Fermor said upon inking his extension to the end of 2029.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s been a lot of good change around the joint over the off season that isn\u2019t seen in the public eye, but we can all see it here. I obviously got a taste of Origin last year, and that\u2019s the jersey I\u2019ve wanted to play in.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to get back in that arena and build a career there.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Hannay has sought to balance a Titans\u2019 roster he deemed too top-heavy upon his arrival, a slew of unheralded battlers will vie for greater responsibilities, in what could prove the ultimate litmus test of the NRL\u2019s depth and talent pool.<\/p>\n
Perth joins the fold in 2027, followed by Papua New Guinea in 2028.<\/p>\n
The NRL\u2019s last new outfit, the Dolphins, learned there were challenges in tempting marquee men to a fledgling venture \u2013 Cameron Munster and Kalyn Ponga among the names to turn down the opportunity.<\/p>\n
Instead, they unearthed rising stars Max Plath, Jack Bostock, Kurt Donoghoe and Isaiya Katoa.<\/p>\n
The Bears may need to hunt beneath the NRL for reinforcements, a tact Hannay has implemented with Reagan Campbell-Gillard, David Fifita, Carter Gordon and Alofiana Khan-Pereira departing for fringe NRL players Lachlan Ilias, Kurtis Morrin and Luke Sommerton.<\/p>\n
Queensland Cup battlers Oliver Pascoe and Adam Christensen, and rookie prospects Siale Faeamanu, Jett Liu and Jensen Taumoepeau have also been brought in.<\/p>\n
Those diamonds in the rough \u2013 the likes of Latrell Siegwalt (South Sydney), James Walsh and Ronald Philitoga (North Queensland) earning NRL deals through reserve grade performances \u2013 will be key to building the incoming squads.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a character-first person, and that\u2019s going to [be] paramount moving forward in our recruitment and retention policy \u2013 a good person first, and a good footballer second,\u201d Hannay said of his roster rebuild.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re not a good person, it doesn\u2019t matter what you\u2019re capable of on the football field. We want to fill this club with people with strong character, obviously a talent for the game, and a willingness to work with others.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not going to be pressured into going out and buying the most talented player on the market, we\u2019re going to be really deliberate with our decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n