LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Gold Coast Titans are making significant moves regarding coach Des Hasler in order to retain team captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui. Fa'asuamaleaui expressed that he would "probably prefer to stay" at Gold Coast despite planning to explore the NRL open market on November 1. His management cited club stability as a critical consideration in his decision-making.
Currently signed with the Gold Coast until 2033 for $1.2 million per season, Fa'asuamaleaui has a clause allowing him to leave at the end of 2027. This provision permits him to engage with rival clubs starting November 1 of this year.
Additionally, he has attracted interest from the Perth Bears, set to join the NRL in 2027. The Bears are likely to offer him a substantial salary increase, potentially exceeding $1.5 million per season. His agent, Simon Mammino, mentioned plans to discuss opportunities with Meninga and the Bears later in the year while indicating that Fa'asuamaleaui's inclination is to remain in Gold Coast, where he is settled with his partner and three kids, backed by family support.
Fa'asuamaleaui desires clarity on the Titans' coaching dynamics and the club's future trajectory. Reports suggest that the Titans have reconsidered their decision regarding Hasler, affirming he will continue as head coach through 2026. This development may significantly influence Fa'asuamaleaui's choice to stay with the team.
"We will have a look around (on November 1), but that's because we don't really know what's going on at the club at the moment," Mammino stated. "Tino would probably prefer to stay. We just want to see some decisions made that the club is stable."
He further elaborated, "He has got time to make a decision, so hopefully they will resolve where the club is at with the coaching situation for 2027. That's not to say he doesn't want Des there. He gets on well with Des. It's also about where the club is heading with the re-signing of a couple of players."