NRL stance could put Henry’s job on shaky ground
THE NRL will not stand in the way of the Titans potentially sacking Neil Henry as Gold Coast hierarchy launched an internal probe into allegations the besieged coach is at loggerheads with players.
The Bulletin can reveal Titans chief executive Graham Annesley interviewed 12 Gold Coast stars to discuss Henry’s performance in the wake of the club’s humiliating 54- nil loss to the Broncos.
In the one- on- one interviews, held on Monday, the players were asked to appraise Henry and whether there was unrest among the group.
Some players praised Henry’s coaching. Others were critical of his communication style and raised concerns about Henry making what they perceived as unnecessary changes to team lists and game plans.
Annesley refused to discuss the meetings last night, but it’s understood the Titans boss notified Henry in advance of the player probe, which casts fresh doubt over his future at the Gold Coast.
“We’ve been focused this week on addressing things back on track as possible,” he said.
The ructions for the Titans continued yesterday with Aquis deciding not to take up a four- year option – leaving the Gold Coast without a major sponsor for next season.
But the more pressing concern is easing tensions between several Titans players and Henry who was widely believed to be safe for next year quickly as given that the NRL owns the Titans and would be reluctant to incur further debt by rubber- stamping an estimated $ 350,000 payout if his contract is terminated. But the NRL last night told the Bulletin it would not intervene in the day- today operations of the Titans.
“It is up to the club to determine its coach, playing roster and staffing,” the NRL spokesman said.