Manly lessons help Titans recruit

Nov 6, 2017 - 9:09 AM Lessons learned from Manly's off-field dramas have helped ex-Sea Eagles prop Brenton Lawrence provide timely perspective at new NRL club Gold Coast Titans.

Everything has changed since Lawrence signed a two-year Titans deal from 2018 in July.

The man who convinced him to sign - Titans coach Neil Henry - has been sacked, replaced by NRL rookie Garth Brennan.

Life under Brennan officially began when Titans pre-season training started on Monday.

The Gold Coast's new owners are yet to be revealed.

And Jarryd Hayne has been linked to a Parramatta return.

But Lawrence reckoned he had no concerns, saying his Manly stint had taught him not to lose sleep over off-field issues.

"We had similar things at Manly. There were always dramas with the board, there was always something off-field," he said.

"But if you have a tight squad ... everything off-field will take care of itself.

"We don't need to worry about it.

"Someone will come in and take over the club but it won't affect what we are doing on the field."

Lawrence - a former Prime Minister's XIII forward - said he had kept tabs on a report that claimed Hayne's agent was seeking a Titans release.

After Fiji's Rugby League World Cup campaign, Hayne is expected back for Titans pre-season in January.

But Hayne reportedly wants to return to Sydney next year to be closer to his daughter, just months after triggering a $1.2 million 2018 option.

"I have heard about that but I don't know what he wants to do," said Lawrence, who played 86 games for Manly from 2013.

"If he stays, he stays. If he goes then he goes and we will find someone else to talk about.

"I hope he stays, he is a great player but it's his decision."

Lawrence was excited to play under Brennan but admitted the Titans role sold by Henry may completely change in 2018 and he may end up in second tier Queensland Cup.

"I don't want to be playing for Burleigh but if that's what Garth wants to do, that's what the coach wants," he said.

"I have come here to play first grade and in my position and be a leader in this squad - that's what Neil and I discussed."

Source: AAP