Gold Coast Titans make HUGE call on the future of coach Des Hasler as the club faces its first wooden spoon season in history
The Gold Coast Titans have made a call on the coaching future of Des Hasler as the club faces the unwanted ‘honour’ of claiming its first-ever wooden spoon in 2025.
The Titans have confirmed that the club will part ways with Hasler at the end of the season, despite the veteran coach having a year left to run on his contract.
The 64-year-old will remain at the helm for the club’s final two NRL matches, against The Dolphins and Wests Tigers.
‘His deep knowledge, passion and unwavering commitment to excellence have been evident every day he has worked with our club,’ Titans chairman Dennis Watt said said.
‘While this season hasn’t gone as planned, Des has conducted himself with the dignity and class that has defined his entire career.’
That will pave the way for rookie coach Josh Hannay to take the reins.
Des Hasler’s time is up as Gold Coast Titans coach, with the club careening towards a maiden wooden spoon finish
The Titans have been disappointing in 2025, and could finish last in a season where they will farewell NRL veteran Kieran Foran
Queensland State of Origin assistant Josh Hannay will take over as Gold Coast Titans coach
Hannay has become a hot commodity after a long apprenticeship as an assistant coach, including with the Queensland Maroons.
He had also been linked to fellow NRL battlers North Queensland and Newcastle.
The Titans face further shakeups, with veteran half Kieran Foran to hang up the boots after a long and illustrious career.
That won’t be the only change, with a host of big-name players in danger of walking out the door as well.
David Fifita has been linked to an early exit to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, although Hasler strongly denied that in a terse clash with a reporter on the weekend after another loss.
Captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui also has a clause in his contract that will allow him to explore the open market, with former Storm star Brandon Smith suggesting a Melbourne homecoming could be on the cards.
And the Titans will have to open the cheque book to retain young half Jayden Campbell, who is also set to attract big-money offers.
Hannay, 45, is regarded as one of the best young coaches in the game and has served a long apprenticeship as an NRL assistant, Queensland Cup coach and Maroons assistant.
Captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui could be set to explore the open market on November 1 following the announcement of Hasler’s departure
David Fifita has been linked to a move to the South Sydney Rabbitohs which would be another blow for the Titans
The Gold Coast Titans will need to splash the cash to upgrade young half Jayden Campbell as well, or face losing him too
Queensland State of Origin coach Billy Slater reportedly gave Hannay a glowing recommendation when contacted by the Titans.
‘I’d be surprised if he is involved in State of Origin next year, unfortunately for us,’ he previously told Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast.
‘He really understands the game, he sees the game really well, he’s got great philosophies.
‘I’d be really surprised if he was involved in the Origin series next year, I was probably surprised that he was involved this year.
‘He’s been a real rock for me in terms of the last four years at State of Origin level, I have leant on him immensely.
‘I think he’s ready to be an NRL head coach, and I wish him all the best when that opportunity arises for him.
‘I’ve got great respect for Josh, I’ve got great appreciation for what he’s done for myself and this footy team over the last four years… even before that, he was involved before I was the head coach.
‘He’s definitely going to be a good NRL coach and I look forward to seeing which team he gets that opportunity with.’
The Titans have not formally announced the signing of Hannay, but confimed that Hasler was on the way out.
‘The club will provide an update on the coaching structure for 2026 in due course,’ a club statement read.
‘The Titans thank Hasler for his service to the club and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.’
Hasler is a two-time premiership-winning coach who first guided Manly to NRL titles in 2008 and 2011 after a decorated playing career with the club.
He later moved to Canterbury, leading the Bulldogs to two grand finals, before returning to Manly for a second stint in charge. In 2024, Hasler took up the post at the Titans.
