Forget old school, Hannant backs innovator for Titans job
PREMIERSHIP winner Ben Hannant has urged the Titans to chase the coaching assistant with a golden touch amid fears the club could be saddled with Michael Maguire’s dated style.
With the deposed South Sydney boss a favourite for the vacant Gold Coast post, Hannant insisted the club must ask tough questions of Maguire during the courting process.
Hannant pointed to the Rabbitohs’ lack of evolution with their game plans since Maguire’s memorable battering-ram philosophy delivered the 2014 premiership.
“I think that’s a bit crazy,” Hannant said of talk Maguire is now the first-choice to replace Neil Henry at the Titans.
“His game plan at South Sydney, did that impress you? Did the Rabbitohs ask good questions and threaten teams?
“The way they played is old school and was good back in 2014. But can (Maguire) evolve?
“I’m not saying he’s not the right person but I want to know why he is the best man for the job.
“You look at Wayne Bennett and he’s got a simple game plan. Wayne has evolved as well.
“You have to keep up with the times.
“The game has changed.”
Gold Coast junior Hannant, who won the 2006 NRL crown with the Broncos and again at the Cowboys in 2015, called for a raid on current Brisbane deputy Jason Demetriou.
Since coaching QCup club the Northern Pride to state and national titles in 2014, Demetriou was assistant to Paul Green during North Queensland’s historic title.
He spent last season as assistant at the Dragons, also leading feeder team Illawarra to the NSW Cup premiership.
This season Demetriou has helped the Broncos rediscover their attacking mojo to sit second behind Melbourne in terms of points scored.
“If it was me, I’d say hands down he’s the best contender,” said Hannant of a move to mirror Souths going for the younger Anthony Seibold as coach.
“Look at his track record and look at what he did in Cairns, then with the Dragons not going very well he had no right to win the reserve grade premiership.
“Now look at the Broncos with him there.
“So you think of what he could do with the Titans; he’s a great man manager and he’s up with the latest ideas.”
Former Kangaroos skipper Gorden Tallis joined a fourperson panel assigned with pinpointing the next Titans coach, though Hannant suggested a more radical philosophy.
“Why not call Cooper Cronk or Cameron Smith?,” said Hannant, now a radio personality at Sea FM.
“They have been coached by the best. Ask them what they want in a coach and what makes a good coach.
“The game has changed and we want to know from the best today, not 20 years ago.
“When was the last time Gorden Tallis played footy?”