The Gold Coast Titans appear to be one of the most active clubs in the NRL right now, with new coach Josh Hannay wasting no time putting his stamp on the team and planning for the future.
After several key moves within the club — including star forward David Fifita’s release to join the Rabbitohs — Hannay has also been overhauling staff behind the scenes.
The most recent appointment by Hannay is that of former Dally M Medal winner Todd Carney, who will take on a mentoring role as the Titans’ full-time pathways coach, according to the Daily Telegraph.
“I’m really excited about Todd coming on board to join our pathways department and complement the great work Matt Keating does in leading that space,” Hannay said.
“Todd’s story is well known. He was one of the most talented halves of his generation and someone who possessed a football brain few could match. We have some of the most talented young players in the game within our system, and it’s critical that we continue to seriously invest in the quality of the program we provide for their development as young men and aspiring NRL players,” Hannay continued.
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In the past, the Titans have lost several high-profile juniors to rival clubs before they ever wore a Titans jersey in the NRL — including superstar fullback Reece Walsh — a trend the club has been heavily criticised for.
The hiring of Carney shows Hannay’s intent, overhauling the front office as well as the playing roster to help prevent future stars from walking out the door so easily and frequently.
Carney will be responsible for helping identify and guide the next generation of Titans players coming through the ranks, after a successful stint in a similar role at the esteemed Keebra Park academy last season.
At 39 years old, Carney has turned his life around post-playing career, after his immense talent and achievements were often overshadowed by controversy and poor decisions that ultimately saw him terminated by the Cronulla Sharks in 2014, ending his NRL career.
Carney emerged as a prodigious teenager, making his NRL debut at 18 years old and playing four matches in 2004 before becoming a mainstay at the Canberra Raiders.
After controversy saw him exit the Raiders, the Roosters offered him a lifeline that led to his best football — with Carney winning the 2010 Dally M Medal in a sensational season at five-eighth before finishing his career at the Sharks.
In recent years, Carney has spoken candidly about his battles with alcohol and has become a key figure in mentoring young players after a career that saw him represent both New South Wales in State of Origin and the Australian Kangaroos.
With his chequered past, coupled with his remarkable natural ability and achievements, Hannay clearly sees Carney as the perfect figure to guide young players through the challenges of becoming professional athletes — a decision influenced by Carney’s success in a similar role at Keebra Park.
Rugby league loves a redemption story, and the hiring of Todd Carney by the Titans adds another fascinating chapter — a testament to the work the former prodigy has done to rebuild his life and reputation.