The iSelect Titans have announced that experienced NRL coach Neil Henry has been appointed as Head Coach for three years from next season.
Henry, who has held the role as interim coach since the departure of John Cartwright after round 22, is a Dally M coach of the year who has taken his teams to the finals in four of his six seasons as an NRL coach – Canberra Raiders in 2008 (when Dally M award winner) and North Queensland Cowboys in 2011-13.
Titans CEO Graham Annesley said he was delighted that Henry will stay on with the club and that the board felt he was the best candidate for the position.
“Neil is vastly respected and his record stands for itself,” said Annesley. “He has had the benefit of a season with us and has had 12 seasons as a head coach and assistant coach in the NRL and had four years with the Queensland State of Origin side.
“To take a team to the finals three years running in the NRL is a very good achievement at any club and we’re fortunate to have his experience and working with him to lift the Titans back to the finals.”
Henry said he is delighted to be able to continue working with the current squad and playing a role in lifting the club’s fortunes.
“I’m obviously very happy to again be a head coach in the NRL but I want to certainly pay tribute to John Cartwright who, with Michael Searle, set this club up and have given a tremendous platform for the succeeding coach to build from.
“It has obviously been a tough year but I’m excited about the prospects at the Titans. I have enjoyed living and working here this year and I’m glad to be able to be here longer.
“The goal is obviously to climb the ladder and get the fans behind us like in the initial years. I, like many, want the Gold Coast community to have a successful team they are proud and I will be doing all I can to achieve that.”
