The Gold Coast Bulletin

Cryptic Henry remains defiant

- PETER BADEL

NEIL Henry has turned up the heat on the Titans board, declaring “I’m still coach of the team” as he outlined plans to dig his heels in and call the shots at Gold Coast.

Henry yesterday disputed claims he’d be sacked after tomorrow’s clash against the Eels and insisted he could work with Jarryd Hayne despite refusing to answer whether he wanted the star at the NRL club next season.

Henry may not survive that long, with talk he is a dead coach walking, who will be terminated after the game against Hayne’s former club Parramatta at ANZ Stadium.

Henry insisted he would not walk away and intended on honouring his contract.

Monday’s five-hour board meeting, which yielded no result, underlined the uncertaint­y that became more clouded yesterday when Henry admitted he was in the dark about his future.

“I’m still the coach of the team,” he said.

Asked if he was a dead man walking, the coach replied: “It is speculatio­n, we will find out in due course if that’s true but I have a job to do to prepare this team for (tomorrow) night.’’

Asked if he wanted to remain at the club, Henry said: “Of course I do. I am contracted here next year and want to stay a long time.

“This club has had a bit of turmoil in the last three years and I want to be part of a club that is moving in the right direction.”

Hayne claimed on Sunday that he had not spoken to Henry for a week, but the coach claimed there was no bad blood between the pair.

While Henry insisted there was no “feud” and that he was prepared to work with Hayne next season, he refused to specifical­ly answer whether he wanted his $1.2 million man in 2018.

He also chose his words carefully when asked if Hayne was a team player.

“That’s a difficult one,” Henry said.

“He is part of a team and he works hard.”

 ?? Picture: AAP IMAGES ?? Coach Neil Henry insists he remains the go-to man at the Titans.
Picture: AAP IMAGES Coach Neil Henry insists he remains the go-to man at the Titans.

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