“But every time I really looked into it, I definitely didn’t want to leave this place. I came here for a reason, I want to still change that around, and with Josh at the helm it’s definitely helped that a lot.
“I think the first few weeks I kind of knew what I was going to do, but I wasn’t on the field – I was in rehab. But just to see it all put together has been so good.”
Overturning the Titans’ culture had been a key focus for Hannay, and he has been determined to show the squad and wider Gold Coast community there was a brighter future ahead.
Hannay said he had always been confident Fa’asuamaleaui would remain.
He said one of the main reasons he sought the Titans’ head coaching job once Des Hasler and the club parted ways was to work with Fa’asuamaleaui, having forged a close rapport with the 25-year-old during their shared time with the Maroons.
Loading
“The number one motivation for him over the next few years is to bring success to this club. I know he cherishes his Maroons and Australian jumpers, but I think what’s most important for him moving forward is to see this club at the top,” Hannay said.
“He’s been here through some hard times, let’s face it, but that hasn’t deterred him or scared him away. I’ve known him for about 10 years now when he was a teenager, and for me, what’s always struck me about Tino is he’s got a huge heart.
“He wears his heart on his sleeve, I love that about him, and he’s one of the reasons I took up the opportunity to come to this club – to work with him, and I’m glad it’s confirmed now that I get to do that for the foreseeable future.”
