Don’t worry Garth, you’re coach: Mal
GARTH Brennan has been assured that Mal Meninga has not arrived on the Gold Coast to take over his job but the Titans coach says he will still consult the Queensland rugby league great.
In Meninga’s new role as the Titans’ head of performance and culture, he will play a part in helping make the club a stronger force on the field as they strive for a topeight finish in 2019.
But the Australian mentor was adamant yesterday that he is not here to take over the coaching reins from Brennan, who will next year oversee just his second season of NRL.
“That’s not me,” Meninga said. “I’ve built a career on my integrity, I’ve built a career on my reputation.
“I’m not a demanding person. I’m here to help. I’m not here to take over.
“I’m not going to be coaching. That’s one of the things we discussed. Garth is the coach.”
Brennan also confirmed he had held talks with Gold Coast Titans owners Darryl and Joanne Kelly and Rebecca and Brett Frizelle around Meninga’s influence and was assured he was still the head coach.
But the 46-year-old said that does not mean he won’t turn to Meninga for advice when needed.
Brennan said he already picked the brains of former internationals Gorden Tallis, a Titans club ambassador, and Matt Johns, a good friend, and Meninga would become another sounding board.
“I’d be crazy if I didn’t bounce ideas off Mal Meninga,” he said.
“That’s just silly. If you think you know it all as a coach, you might as well retire and give it all away. “You’re always learning. “I don’t have an ego where I’m not going to go to someone and ask their opinions.”