King has plenty of supporters

GOLD Coast skipper Ryan James has thrown his support behind Neil Henry amid speculation the Titans coach is losing the faith of some senior players following the club’s latest finals fadeout.

Rated a top-six chance this year, the embattled Titans enter tomorrow’s derby against the Broncos as alsorans, with the club to miss the playoffs for the sixth time in the past seven seasons.

To compound their plight, the Titans have been buffeted by incessant innuendo that a number of top-liners have concerns about Henry’s communication and ability to deliver the club’s maiden title.

Titans management is aware of the speculation but are standing by Henry, who secured a 12-month extension for 2018 after steering the club to a finals appearance last season.

James said the coach should not be blamed for the Titans’ disappointing campaign.

“Neil still has a year to go on his contract and I think he’s been good for this club,” said James, who was so pleased with the culture cultivated by Henry he inked a three-year extension in January.

“I have no issues.

“Neil did a great job last year to get us to the finals and it’s just as important to have the right staff around the coach.

“Neil has that with guys like Craig Hodges and Terry Matterson, so I can’t see too much changing next year.”

Queensland Origin mentor Kevin Walters urged Gold Coast bosses not to sack Henry, saying no coach in the league could have overcome the Titans’ shocking injury toll this season.

“They have to persist with Neil Henry,” Walters said.

“He is the right person for the job. He is a good, mature coach and his support staff are good as well.”

Titans chief executive Graham Annesley defended Henry’s performance during this season.

“By anyone’s reckoning we’ve had a horrific injury run. We’ve barely had two consecutive weeks with the same team on the field,” he said. “That’s tough for any coach.” Titans foundation football manager Scott Sattler says Gold Coast hierarchy should not bow to player power.