Jan 21st, 2019

Jan 21st, 2019

The Titans have produced a stunning show of faith in coach Garth Brennan despite his struggles in his rookie season with the club.

Brennan is a fine young coach and went to the Titans with high hopes, but on and off-field problems saw the club finish 14th on the ladder with just eight wins. Brennan was due to come off contract at the end of this upcoming season, a situation which would have put him under enormous pressure to win early games.

But the Titans have given Brennan their backing, extending his deal by a further season. As a result, he can breathe a little bit easier in 2019, with his contract now running out at the end of 2020.

It’s a highly unusual move by the Titans given Brennan’s poor first season - but a refreshing sign in the cut-throat world of modern coaching.

Garth Brennan has been backed by the Titans after a tough first season. (AAP)

REPORTER DOES WAYWARD STAR A SOLID

Journalists are often attacked by fans for exposing the game’s stars for indiscretions off the field.

But reporters sometimes cut players some slack - as was the case recently.

One well-known reporter sent an out-of-Sydney club a photo of one of its elite players snorting a line of cocaine during a big night out.

The journo told the club he would not make the photo public, but just wanted the club to know it had a problem.

The player concerned is one of the game’s brightest young stars but had a well below-par season in 2018.

CHANGED SEGEYARO STILL WITHOUT A CLUB

James Segeyaro is one of the most dangerous hookers out of dummy-half in the game - but his past off-field indiscretions could cost him his career in the NRL.

Segeyaro remains unsigned for next season after being released by Cronulla and is fast running out of time to get a new club.

The Eels, Knights and Bulldogs have all shown some interest in the speedy hooker, but dropped off.

I’ve spoken to Segeyaro and he swears he is a changed man - and will listen to any offers that come his way.

He’s the type of player who can win two or three games a year on his own, and that makes me think he’ll get a start somewhere before too long.

James Segeyaro is seeking a club for 2019. (AAP)

LEAGUE HEAVIES SUPPORT INDIGENOUS COACHES

A little piece of rugby league history was made last week when the game’s first coaching clinic aimed especially at aspiring Indigenous coaches was held in Homebush in Sydney.

Former Parramatta star Dean Widders organised the camp for more than 20 hopefuls, and guest speakers included the great Gus Gould, Tigers coach Michael Maguire, ex-Souths star Matt King, former Cowboys and Titans coach Neil Henry and Tigers legend Wayne Pearce.

“There are hardly any Indigenous coaches in any roles at NRL clubs or in the elite pathway and I think it’s time we change that,” Widders told Wide World of Sports.

“All the presenters were excellent and the highlight was having Gus speak. He gave great insight into coaching and offered ongoing support to the group.”