Interim mentor aims for long term

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While a host of potential candidates have been thrown up outside the club, Hannay will be looking to make the most of this opportunity to establish his credentials in the head role.

His first day in the position was “with a heavy heart” given his relationship with Green, but he said he will have to flick the switch quickly to have his side prepared.

That will begin with the build up to Friday night, when he leads the side for the first time against the Manly Sea Eagles at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

“Certainly the past 12 months it’s been something that’s become clearer in my own mind it was something I was feeling more and more ready for,” Hannay said.

“I’d like to think the club wouldn’t be giving me this opportunity if they didn’t think I had something to offer, not only now but into the future.

“I’ll be approaching it as an opportunity to well and truly take my chance, and show the club and playing group what I’m about, what my approach and philosophy is all about, and certainly it’s a golden opportunity if I do want to become a head coach, which I do.

“All I can control is what I can do in the next 10 weeks and put my best foot forward, and show the club and playing group I’m capable of leading this club into the future.

“I can’t control what candidates there are out there, what I can control is what I do with this group and how I approach each week.”

From his apprenticeship under Green, Hannay will take away the “finer details of preparation”. However he said what would embody how he coaches is in how he relates to the players.

The 40-year-old said key to his style would be understanding his athletes – what motivates them, and what triggers them to perform at their best.

Meanwhile, Blackhawks coach Aaron Payne will start today as an assistant coach.