Tino issues warning, gives Titans hope on his future
Joel Gould |
Gold Coast captain Tino Fa’asumaleaui wants accountability at the club to extend beyond coaches as he indicates incoming head coach Josh Hannay could keep him at the Titans long-term.
Hannay, the Queensland assistant coach, has impressed Maroons regular Fa’asuamaleaui at State of Origin level.
Despite signing a monster 10-year deal, Fa’asuamaleaui has a clause in his contract that allows him to speak to other clubs from November 1 for the 2027 season.
His manager Simon Mammino told AAP recently that his preference was to stay but added that he wanted to see stability at the club in the future.
The appointment of Hannay from 2026 looms as crucial. Mammino also confirmed his client had a strong relationship with former Titans head of culture Mal Meninga who is now Perth Bears coach and keen to secure Fa’asuamaleaui as a foundation player.
Fa’asuamaleaui said the axing of current coach Des Hasler was “a shock” just two years after former coach Justin Holbrook was axed.
“It’s my second time round going through that, so it’s obviously very upsetting, especially seeing the work Des does behind the scenes and how much he really does care,” he said.
“Results haven’t been there and … someone has to be held accountable. But talking about accountability, both times our coaches are the only ones who have been kept accountable.
“I think we have to look at everything going forward. We have to question everything. Are we making the right decisions?
“I’m not saying there needs to be changes, but I’m just saying that both times there’s been two people kept accountable and no one else.”
Asked if Cronulla and Maroons assistant Hannay was the man to keep him at the Titans the skipper was full of praise.
“I think so, I think he brings a lot of experience within the role he’s done and a lot of stuff with the culture they have at the Sharks,” he said.
“He’s going to bring his version here and it’s only going to benefit us and bring all the families and partners and all the group together.
“We’ve got to see it at clubland, but what he brings at that level of Origin is a confident piece, boys knowing their role and understanding it and keeping boys’ accountability to that.
“I think Josh is ready to become a head coach. I briefly spoke to him and he’s very keen to get in and make sure there’s the right people around him to get the best out of this group. I’m very excited for him.”
Titans chief executive Steve Mitchell said he was hopeful that the prior relationship with Hannay would be critical in keeping Fa’asuamaleaui.
“I think if we build a program that gives Tino and others the best chance to be the best they can be and succeed, I think he will want to stay,” Mitchell said.
“Josh has got a unique relationship with a large chunk of our player group through the Origin period and big Tino is primary there.
“Unsolicited, the feedback we’ve had on Josh when he has worked on our group has been very strong.”
Mitchell said he wanted boom back-rower David Fifita firing, even if it meant that was at another club.
The Titans and South Sydney are in negotiations to get a deal done for the 25-year-old for 2026 despite him being on the Gold Coast books.
“Dave is in a position where he can talk to other clubs,” Mitchell said.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett earlier told AAP he was keen to “get a deal done”.
AAP
