LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Incoming Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga is preparing to make an "extraordinary" pitch to Tino Fa'asuamaleaui in a bid to recruit the Gold Coast skipper. This development follows an explosive comment from the Titans captain about his club, made after the sacking of coach Des Hasler.
Tino expressed his "shock" regarding Hasler's dismissal, noting that it came as the Titans sit at the bottom of the NRL ladder during a challenging season. Hasler is the second coach to be removed during Tino's tenure, having taken over from Justin Holbrook in 2024.
However, the Titans captain emphasized that responsibility should not rest solely on the coaches for the team's poor performance. He delivered a strong message to the entire club, including himself: "It's the second time now I've been through this and it's very upsetting for me," referring to Hasler's firing.
"The results haven't been there and I guess that's part of the game - how ruthless it is. If the team or a lot of things aren't performing, someone has got to be held accountable. Both times the coaches have been the only ones who have been kept accountable, though, and there's got to be more than that," Tino said.
"I think we've got to look at everything. I think we've got to look and question everything. Are we making the right decisions? Are we looking at everyone? I'm not saying there needs to be changes... But if you want to move forward and get better, you have to make sure you've got the right people in place."
Josh Hannay has been appointed the new Titans coach on a three-year deal and will be accompanied by director of football Scott Sattler and recruitment chief Anthony Laffranchi next year. The Gold Coast club is hoping these changes will facilitate improvement. Hannay has a history with Fa'asuamaleaui, having worked with him in the Maroons' Origin camps as Billy Slater's assistant coach. This relationship could significantly influence Tino's decision regarding his future with the club.
Fa'asuamaleaui plans to explore the open market starting November 1, with a 10-year, $12 million contract featuring a get-out clause for 2027, coinciding with the year the Perth Bears join the NRL. Although Tino's management indicates that his preference is to remain with the Gold Coast, Meninga is ready to make an aggressive bid to entice the Maroons and Kangaroos representative to the Bears. The Perth Bears are expected to court him with a compelling offer, potentially close to $2 million annually.