Culling is not all over just yet

GARTH Brennan was the first Titan to be axed but he won’t be the last, winger Dale Copley believes, as the reality of their dire campaign sinks in.

Brennan was sacked on Sunday as head of performance and culture Mal Meninga’s review was completed.

It followed their latest defeat, 24-2 at the hands of Penrith, taking their season record to four wins from 16 starts and dropping them to the bottom of the ladder.

The club’s second training session since Craig Hodges was instilled as interim senior coach had a buzz about it not felt at Parkwood for quite some time.

The intensity was back, feeder club coach Jimmy Lenihan’s voice on the training paddock could be heard for miles, and there was a sense that the Titans will take renewed energy into their Round 18 home match against leaders Melbourne on Sunday.

“What we were doing wasn’t working so we had to change things,” Copley said in the first player media conference since Brennan’s departure.

“There was no ifs, buts or maybes about that, the club was really honest and as players we just had to jump onboard and buy into what was happening.”

Titans powerbrokers met with players earlier in the week to share their vision and lay down the law that they must either opt in or find a new home.

The response has been good, so far.

“Garth has obviously had his contract terminated and we’re still under review,” Copley said.

“That’s the crux of it, we’re all under review now.

“He’s the first one to lose his job out of this but if the season finished today, we’d get the wooden spoon so I dare say he won’t be the last (to be axed).”

HE’S THE FIRST ONE TO LOSE HIS JOB ... SO I DARE SAY HE WON’T BE THE LAST (TO BE AXED).” TITANS WINGER DALE COPLEY

In between all of the turmoil and raft of changes, Sunday’s match will mark a memorable occasion for second-rower Sam Stone.

The 21-year-old Burleigh Bears junior will make his Titans debut against the Storm, more than 12 months after he last played in the NRL for Newcastle – who he joined from last month.

“Really exciting,” Stone said.

“That was one of the main reasons I decided to have the mid-year change. The opportunity has presented itself this week against Melbourne which will be a good test.”

He hasn’t been here long but the increased intensity hasn’t been lost on former Knight Stone, either.