The Gold Coast Titans have officially appointed Josh Hannay as head coach for the next three seasons, concluding their pursuit of renowned coach Craig Bellamy. This decision follows a meeting between Titans officials and Hannay on the morning of November 3, 2023, where the club confirmed that discussions with Bellamy had ended.
The Titans had previously indicated a possibility of Bellamy taking over the coaching role in 2027, contingent upon an agreement with Hannay. This arrangement was partly influenced by Bellamy’s long-term plans to relocate to the Gold Coast after his tenure with the Melbourne Storm, where he has built a legendary legacy. Notably, Bellamy’s daughter resides in the area, adding a personal dimension to his potential future move.
Titans officials had sought clarity on Bellamy’s intentions by early December, aiming to provide Hannay with stability ahead of his inaugural pre-season. Bellamy recently communicated to the club that he would not be making a decision in the immediate future, effectively closing the door on the head coach position.
Titans chair Dennis Watt defended the club’s approach, stating, “We make no apologies for pursuing the best. That’s what ambitious and successful organisations do.” He emphasized Bellamy’s significant contributions to the sport and the club’s responsibility to explore every avenue for success.
The Titans’ owner, Rebecca Frizelle, shared similar sentiments, highlighting the club’s ambition and commitment to long-term investment. “Our responsibility is to invest in the Titans’ future, not just for next season, but for the decades to come,” she remarked.
Watt also addressed concerns regarding misreporting that suggested Hannay was unaware of the club’s interest in Bellamy. He clarified that discussions about Bellamy’s potential involvement had been ongoing since before Hannay was officially signed in August 2023 to replace Des Hasler.
Hannay himself acknowledged the significance of the situation, stating, “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.” He expressed pride in being part of a club that embraces bold action while maintaining integrity.
With Bellamy’s decision to postpone his future plans, questions linger regarding his next steps after the 2026 season. His five-year contract with the Storm is set to expire at the end of next year, and he has opted for a season-by-season approach since 2022.
In anticipation of Bellamy’s potential departure, the Storm have begun preparations to identify his successor. Former player Billy Slater is reportedly viewed as a strong candidate should Bellamy choose not to continue.
The Gold Coast Titans have made it clear they would welcome Bellamy in any capacity, signaling that further discussions about off-field roles could be possible. His vast experience would make him an ideal candidate for positions such as football director or coaching consultant, either for Melbourne or the Titans. Other clubs are also likely to express interest should he decide to step away from coaching duties.
