Josh Hannay’s appointment as head coach of the Gold Coast Titans marks an incredible new chapter in his career.
The former Cowboys, Sharks and Maroons centre has risen from the grassroots to now leading at the elite level of the NRL.
Hannay’s first taste of coaching came as captain-coach of his junior club, the Moranbah Miners, where he steered them to a premiership in 2012. That grassroots success was the foundation of a career that soon took him into the Queensland Cup with Souths Logan Magpies, where he spent three seasons developing young players and sharpening his tactical knowledge.
In 2016, Hannay was entrusted with coaching the Queensland under 18 side. It was a role that proved pivotal, not only for him, but for the players he guided.
Many of that group, including Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Pat Carrigan, Murray Taulagi and Corey Horsburgh, would later graduate into State of Origin, reuniting with Hannay years later when he joined Billy Slater’s senior Maroons staff.
“Josh has a wonderful feel for the game,” Slater said after the 2025 Origin series.
“He brings people together and earns their trust. We’re lucky to have him as part of the Maroons family.”
Hannay’s rise was also shaped by his NRL apprenticeship. He served as an assistant at North Queensland, where he was part of the Cowboys’ 2017 run to the Grand Final, before moving to the Sharks in 2021. Across both clubs, he built a reputation as a sharp communicator and strategist, capable of balancing detail with a strong connection to his players.
For QRL CEO Ben Ikin, Hannay’s story is a shining example of the pathways system working at its best.
“Josh has progressed from a coach at community footy through to the top ranks in the NRL,” Ikin said.
“Along the way he has helped develop Queensland players who now shine at Origin level. That’s exactly what our pathways are designed to achieve.”
“When young coaches see Josh’s rise, they see that hard work and connection matter.
“They see a Queenslander who started in community footy and earned promotion. That’s powerful inspiration for anyone in our game.” Ikin added.
As he prepares to lead the Titans into a new era, Hannay carries with him the experience of Moranbah, the trust of the Maroons, and the lessons of a coaching journey built the Queensland way.
