The Gold Coast Titans' woes continue, and the spotlight is now on head coach Josh Hannay after a crushing defeat against the Sharks. But is it fair to pin all the blame on the coach? Rugby League legend Andrew Johns certainly doesn't think so.
The Titans' performance in the pre-season challenge had raised hopes, but the season opener was a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. The 50-10 scoreline tells a story of defensive frailties and a lack of cohesion, with Cronulla's Braydon Trindall pulling the strings with ease. The stats paint a grim picture: 37 missed tackles and a 78% completion rate for the Titans, compared to Cronulla's more disciplined display.
What's particularly concerning is the Titans' inability to start strongly. Conceding a try right at the beginning of each half is a recipe for disaster, and it's a trend that Brad Fittler rightly points out. The lack of defensive structure and commitment in the opening sets is alarming, and it's no wonder they're struggling to compete.
However, the question of accountability is an interesting one. Johns argues that the players should shoulder more responsibility, and I tend to agree. The Titans have had a carousel of coaches in recent years, and yet the issues persist. It's easy to point fingers at the coach, but the players are the ones on the field, making the tackles (or missing them).
In my opinion, Hannay needs time to implement his vision. Billy Slater's comparison to Jason Ryles at the Eels is apt. Sometimes, a team's identity and performance evolve over a season, and we shouldn't rush to judgment based on one poor performance. The Titans have a core group that has been together for years, and they need to step up and take ownership.
This situation raises a broader question about the role of coaches in modern rugby league. Are they scapegoats when things go wrong, or do they have the power to transform a team's fortunes? It's a fine line, and one that often depends on the players' willingness to adapt and perform. Perhaps it's time for the Titans players to look in the mirror and ask themselves what they can do to turn this around.
