FUN AND GAMES
Coach pledges entertainment – but the inspiration says otherwise
GARTH Brennan insists he wants to entertain in his first season as an NRL coach – but that just might be bluff from a man who rates Steve Waugh as a sporting inspiration.
The former policeman has been all smiles since taking over from the sacked Neil Henry at the Titans last October. He has promised to develop, promote and retain the local talent while also spruiking his ability to relate with his players on a personal level.
The next stage will be harnessing the talent and reshaping a club more synonymous with grinding efforts.
GARTH Brennan says he wants to entertain in his first season as an NRL coach – but that just might be bluff from a man who rates Steve Waugh one of his biggest sporting inspirations.
The former policeman has been all smiles since taking over from the sacked Neil Henry at the Titans in October.
He has promised to develop, promote and retain the local talent while also spruiking his ability to relate with his players on a personal level.
Brennan, who arrived after impressing with Penrith’s under-20s and NSW Cup outfits, has seen Jarryd Hayne depart for Parramatta but welcomed another X-factor player in Bryce Cartwright.
He has backed re-signed halfback Ashley Taylor to take ownership of the side and, admitting he is growing sick of hearing his own voice, talked often of his desire to provide entertaining football.
But he knows it will take a while for the new-look Titans to hit their stride.
That’s why, still smiling, he warns that there is just one thing he wants to see in Round 1 and has no hesitation in putting his players on notice that grit is non-negotiable.
“If you wanted someone to bat for your life, Steve (Waugh) was maybe not as talented as brother Mark, but you knew when the big moment came he would deliver,” he said.
“We’ve got some talent in our football team as well, but Steve had that mental toughness you look for and that’s what I want in my team; if we have to grind a win out and do it tough we can.”
Brennan, though, has admitted he can’t put a time frame on how long it will take to rebuild the Titans.
Brennan’s tenure in charge of the Titans got off to a shaky start on Saturday when his understrength squad was walloped 38-10 by the Broncos in a Toowoomba trial.
“It’s going to take time,,” he said.