'Some of best going around': Titans ridiculed for Hannay contract clause amid chase for Craig Bellamy

The Gold Coast Titans decision to insert a clause into Josh Hannay's contract that could see Craig Bellamy become head coach in 2027 has been ridiculed by sections of the NRL world.

Bellamy is reportedly set to make a call on whether he will become the Titans' head coach in the coming days, with the Storm scrambling to come up with a list of potential replacements.

It's understood Storm officials tried to extend Bellamy's contract during a meeting this week, but no agreement was reached.

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That has sent a clear indication that his time with the Storm might be coming to an end, and that Hannay could potentially have only one year in the top job before he's demoted to assistant.

The clause in Hannay's contract stipulates he will be the head coach of the team from 2026 for three years - but only if Bellamy opts to stay in Melbourne or takes his services elsewhere.

"We are very excited to have Josh Hannay joining us as our head coach from 2026," Titans CEO Steve Mitchell told AAP.

"All employee contractual arrangements remain strictly confidential, and as such, we will not be making public comment.

"We acknowledge Craig's exceptional coaching credentials and reputation within the game and like many NRL clubs, would welcome him and his family in any capacity."

The clause has drawn the ire of fans and observers of the NRL and has brought into sharper focus how the club does business and various clauses in other contracts that have been leaked to the media.

Former coach Des Hasler had a no finals clause inserted into his deal which allowed the club to axe him without paying a financial penalty earlier this year.

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who is under contract until 2033, has a get-out clause in this contract which allows him to leave the club at the end of the 2026 season, making him a free agent starting November 1.

Before David Fifita was allowed to leave the club after the 2025 season, he also had an opt-out clause and a coach-dependent clause tied to his previous contract, which meant his future was linked to former coach Justin Holbrook's position.

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He also had clauses that allowed for potential extensions with the Titans, which he declined.

"They've got a knack of finding clauses up at the Titans," former Eel Nathan Hindmarsh said on Triple M. "Some of the best clauses going around.

"I didn't think Bellamy was the sort of person that would do this," he added. "I think Bellamy, now that they've signed Josh Hannay, would say 'you know what Josh you've signed there as a head coach it's yours'."

Hannay has copped flak from fans in the NRL for allowing the clause to be part of the deal.

When he signed in August, the Storm were in the top four and had their eyes set on premiership glory.

If they had achieved their objective, then all bets would have been on Bellamy staying or retiring, if a change of scenery was needed.

But with the grand final loss, and a potential roster overhaul on the way at the Storm, the coach's future is up in the air.