A heated exchange on live radio! Gold Coast Titans co-owner Bec Frizelle confronted NRL legend Corey Parker in a fiery debate that has rugby league fans buzzing. The core of the issue? Accusations of the Titans potentially misleading their new head coach, Josh Hannay.
Parker, a respected figure from his days with the Broncos, voiced concerns over reports suggesting Hannay's three-year contract included a clause that could see him demoted if the club managed to secure Craig Bellamy as head coach in 2027.
But here's where it gets controversial... The whispers of such a clause, potentially blindsiding Hannay, sparked a wave of speculation. The Titans, however, have since reaffirmed their commitment to Hannay, while also acknowledging their interest in Bellamy, stating they are “making no apologies for pursuing the best.”
Titans chairman Dennis Watt stated the club wouldn't comment on confidential contractual matters, but that much of the reporting was “inaccurate.”
Frizelle took to SEN Radio to address Parker directly, aiming to clear the air. She stated, “Corey, I’d like to clear this up now because it did bother me that you would think that we would be dishonest or not transparent with our incoming coach regarding Craig Bellamy and Josh Hannay... I want to say on the record we would never operate that way. We are straight shooters and we will always be transparent. We would never treat anyone poorly like that.”
Parker responded positively, acknowledging the clarity provided. He said, “That’s great Bec, that provides some great clarity for the listeners and for the fans.”
And this is the part most people miss... Parker initially suggested Hannay might have been “somewhat blindsided” by the potential Bellamy move, adding that Hannay was unaware of the contract clause while on holiday. Parker also mentioned that, if the reports were true, the Titans needed to address the media and inform the fans. The Titans eventually did clarify the coaching situation.
However, the future of skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui remains uncertain. Fa’asuamaleaui, under contract until the end of 2029, has a clause allowing him to explore the open market. He has been linked to the Perth Bears and Melbourne Storm.
Frizelle expressed confidence in retaining Fa’asuamaleaui, saying she was “not too worried” about the Perth Bears. She acknowledged the challenges of relocating players to Perth, including the time difference and travel.
What do you think? Do you believe the Titans handled the situation transparently? Share your thoughts on the potential impact of the Perth Bears on the NRL in the comments below!
