WAYNE IT UP

THE Titans have made an approach to Brisbane Broncos assistant Jason Demetriou as Gold Coast hierarchy rule out any prospect of Des Hasler joining the club.

Demetriou has emerged as a genuine contender to replace Neil Henry next season after being formally interviewed by the committee that will appoint the Titans’ next coach.

Demetriou was interviewed a day before Brisbane’s 13-6 semi-final defeat of Penrith last Friday night.

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett is aware of the Titans’ interest and will not stand in the way of Demetriou leaving if Gold Coast believe he is the man to resurrect Brisbane’s derby rivals.

The Titans panel has interviewed Ipswich duo Ben and Shane Walker and is also keen to talk to sacked NSW Origin mentor Laurie Daley but Demetriou has surged into contention for one of the toughest jobs in the NRL. Demetriou is contracted to Brisbane until the end of 2019 and while Bennett has been happy with his contribution this season, he believes his right-hand man is ready for an NRL baptism.

Demetriou was tight-lipped about the Titans but admits he wants to eventually launch his NRL coaching career.

“I’m really keen to be a head coach one day,” he said.

“It (coaching in the NRL) is an aspiration of mine.

“At the moment I am really focused on the Broncos.

“It’s too hard to look any further than that but the right opportunity will come and when it comes, I will look at it.”

The Titans will announce Henry’s replacement in early October. The one certainty is Hasler will not be considered by the Titans in the wake of his sacking at the Bulldogs.

Demetriou, who enjoyed a 12-year career in England, has built an impressive coaching resume, winning four premierships in three years.