'Put the pressure on the players': Andrew Johns puts heat on Titans squad in fierce Josh Hannay defence
Andrew Johns has defended Josh Hannay after the Gold Coast's terrible start to the season following a 50-10 loss to the Sharks.
Hannay's side was impressive during the pre-season challenge but blown off the park in round one as Braydon Trindall pulled the strings for Cronulla.
Overall the Titans missed 37 tackles to Cronulla's 23 and completed at 78 per cent.
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One concerning theme for Hannay was how his side started with William Kennedy scoring right as the match started while Jesse Ramien crossed the line two minutes into the second half.
Jesse Ramien scores for the Sharks. Getty
The poor starts was of major concern for Brad Fittler.
"Their first set of six in defence after half time was disgraceful, they didn't control a single tackle, they just got rolled," he said on Nine's Sunday Footy Show.
"There's got to be more commitment than what they showed, they're a long way off."
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Poor defence has been a constant trend for the Titans over the years with Justin Holbrook and Des Hasler unable to find a solution.
Now it seems Hannay has a similar problem on his hands but Johns wants more accountability from the players.
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Josh Hannay. NRL Imagery
"It's not the coach, it's the players," he said.
"If you keep juggling the coach, nothing's going to change. It's the players, they're the ones out there missing tackles.
"... It's the responsibility of the players, it's not the coach. They've had three coaches in four or five years, nothing's changed ... this core group has been together for half a dozen years, don't put pressure on Josh Hannay, put the pressure on the players."
Billy Slater added it will take time for Hannay's style to be implemented, comparing it to Jason Ryles' stint at the Eels where progression was obvious over last season.
"We saw Jason Ryles get beaten by 50 in round one last year and by the end of the year Parramatta had an identity," he said.
"I've got no doubt the Titans won't play like that very often, they'll be able to change this around and turn it around. It's round one, let's reserve our judgement."
