Josh Hannay's Gold Coast Titans deal has clause for Craig Bellamy to be coach
A clause in Josh Hannay's Gold Coast Titans contract leaves the door open for the club to pursue Storm coach Craig Bellamy if he becomes available.
Hannay signed a three-year deal to be Des Hasler's replacement in August and will begin his first pre-season in charge of the Titans next month.
But the new's coach's deal with the Titans has come under the microscope, with AAP revealing Gold Coast officials gave themselves the option to chase the premiership winning coach if there's a chance they can lure him north.
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It's understood Hannay has agreed to a clause that would have him become Bellamy's assistant if the Storm coach made the move to the Titans in 2027.
Gold Coast has been chasing Bellamy for years and have spoken to the acclaimed coach about several roles, including the head coaching position and other off-field roles.
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"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.
Josh Hannay agreed to become Craig Bellamy's assistant if the Storm coach moves north. Getty
"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 Titans were up front about their desire to land Bellamy during their neogiations with Hannay, and the 45-year-old coach is said to have accepted the clause in his deal.
For the Titans to include a Bellamy clause in Hannay's deal, could mean the club believes they're a chance of securing the Storm coach, who recently qualified for a record 11th grand final.
Craig Bellamy Getty
Bellamy's agreement with the Storm allows him to assess his situation yearly, despite signing a five-year deal with Melbourne in 2021.
He took up the option for the fifth year of that deal in June, and has not made a decision on what he wants to do beyond the end of 2026.
The ace in the hole for the Titans is Bellamy's strong links to the Gold Coast region, with his wife owning property in the area, and his daughter and her family residing there.
Meantime, Hannay has wasted little time shaping the Titans.
The first-year coach has already released three players this month, with David Fifita also given permission to leave.
