Mal’s empire plans
Maroons legend backing Meninga to build Titans dynasty
MAROONS great Darren Lockyer says Mal Meninga can transform the Gold Coast Titans in the same way he turned Queensland into a State of Origin force.
The Titans will be searching for their first NRL finals appearance since 2016 in coach Garth Brennan’s second season in charge this year.
Apart from making some key on-field signings, the Titans have bolstered their club by adding Meninga, the current Kangaroos coach and a rugby league Immortal, to their off-field staff. Meninga led Queensland to nine series wins from 2006-15, becoming the most successful coach in Origin history.
Lockyer was Maroons captain when Meninga became Queensland coach and said he could turn the Titans into an NRL powerhouse.
“Having the presence of Mal brings belief,” he said.
“I’ve seen that with the Origin team. In 2006 we were lacking self belief and he instilled that.
“The Titans work hard but they lack the belief they can beat the best teams.”
The Titans showed some promising signs in a 25-22 trial loss to the Broncos last Saturday night, leading 18-0 before Brisbane kicked into gear.
Brennan, who has added former Kangaroos prop Shannon Boyd and NSW Origin utility Tyrone Peachey to his squad, said Meninga was the icing on the cake as the club’s new head of performance and culture.
“It’s been a blessing for me,” Brennan said. “Mal is the final piece to the puzzle as far as I was concerned.
“Everywhere Mal’s been he’s been a winner.
“At the Gold Coast Titans we need to start learning how to win.
“We are resilient. We’re a bunch of guys that get knocked down and keep getting back up, that’s the club.
“But we don’t want a future like that.
“Mal’s come on board and is driving that we’re not just the little brother (against the Broncos).”