Henry's blueprint for Titan success

New Titans assistant coach Neil Henry is settling in. Picture Glenn Hampson Source: Glenn Hampson / News Limited

HE played a crucial role in the early years of Queensland's record-breaking State of Origin dynasty.

And now former Cowboys coach Neil Henry has set his sights on helping restore the Gold Coast Titans into an NRL powerhouse.

In his first tell-all interview since being sacked by the Cowboys last year, Henry reveals he is determined to drag the Gold Coast out of the NRL abyss and has already applied his blueprint of success to a team that's missed the finals for the past three years.

The 52-year-old is enjoying his new role so much he already eyeing off a contract extension that would keep him on the Gold Coast as an assistant to John Cartwright beyond 2014.

"My job is here and at the moment I'd like to stay here and hopefully secure a longer term throughout this season at some stage," he said.

"I'm committed to the club for this year.

"I want to keep my options open for that head coaching position if there's one available but I've settled in quickly here.

"I still want to be a head coach again but I'm also a realist and know there's a few other guys that have been head coaches and haven't got the opportunity to go back to that position."

New Titans assistant coach Neil Henry is settling into his new surroundings on the Gold Coast after being sacked by North Queensland. Picture Glenn Hampson Source: News Limited

COWBOYS DUEL

They were touted as premiership favourites by many.

A team with Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and James Tamou couldn't possibly fail.

But when the Cowboys found themselves languishing in the NRL abyss the axe fell on Henry.

There's no doubt the decision was premature.

The Cowboys rallied, winning six straight games to reach the finals before being cruelly knocked out in that infamous seven-tackle blunder.

"You haven't got a lot of time to dwell on what happened," Henry said.

"It's a learning curve, coaching, regardless. You reflect a bit on it and you move on.

"I can move on knowing the roster is strong up there and they've played in the finals for three consecutive years which hasn't happened in the history of the club.

"I can be a little bit satisfied for what we were able to achieve up there but also disappointed I wasn't able to stay there.

"You move on pretty quickly. I got an opportunity here and I'm enjoying my time."

Gold Coast Titans Assistant coach Neil Henry. photo Scott Fletcher Source: News Limited

TITANIC EXPECTATIONS

Henry has gone from a club that hasn't missed the finals since 2010 to a club that hasn't made the finals since 2010.

On face value it seems like a backwards step for a coach that's grown accustomed to success but Henry sees something on the Gold Coast.

"Results haven't been great for a few years now but I think the way the club finished the (2013) season showed that even with a number of key players out the squad showed they can play good footy and beat the best sides," he said.

"We have to set the bar high. You're mediocre if you finish eighth and you're losing as many games as you win.

"Top four would be the aim for the club. It's been there before.

"There's a lot to like about the organisation. There's no reason why this club shouldn't be one of the top clubs moving forward.

"It's about getting the roster right and having halves who are competitive, enthusiastic and skilful."

Aidan Sezer and Albert Kelly at training. Source: News Limited

NO HALF MEASURES

Albert Kelly and Aidan Sezer - the 22-year-old indigenous playmakers who must lead the Gold Coast into a new era.

Henry spent the past five years of his career coaching one of the greatest shot-callers in history, Johnathan Thurston.

And while the Gold Coast duo have a long way to go before reaching those heights, Henry believes they hold the key.

"They've got potential but that doesn't win you games. They need to step up and be consistent performers each week," he said.

"They'll be the first to admit they were a bit erratic last season. There are some areas of their footy we need to work on and improve so they're consistent every week.

"It's a learning curve for them but we need to start the season well. They'll play a major part of that."

Sezer will be the backbone of this club but Kelly possesses the flair of a genuine match-winner.

His instincts have been compared to two-time Golden Boot winner Thurston but Henry wants to see more commitment from Kelly.

"Johnathan's instinctive but he also understands the need for structure at times too and to play to a plan," he said.

"The thing that sets him apart is he's producing good footy consistently every week. That's where Albert needs to get that consistency in his game.

"If Albert can take that from JT with the effort he puts in around the field … he's going to be a different player."

Titans Chief Executive Officer Graham Annesley and Head Coach John Cartwright. Picture: Jerad Williams Source: News Limited

COACH CARTWRIGHT

Just how this relationship would work was one of the big talking points when Henry arrived at Robina.

Cartwright is under pressure after three lean seasons but his willingness to sign Henry, who assisted Mal Meninga for the first few years of Queensland's eight-year Origin dominance, has proved he is open to new ideas.

Henry's been a fresh voice at pre-season training and says he's formed an understanding combination with his boss.

"He's easy going and is focused on a good season," Henry said.

"He's in touch with reality. He knows the side hasn't played finals football for three years.

"He's acutely aware of the results of the club and is determined to be better this year.

"My job is to work and do what Carty wants me to do. He's the head coach.

"We need to get the best out of the playing roster we've got.

"There's been a couple of changes in how we do things but only subtle changes.

"It's a real focus for us to be a better defensive team this year and keep evolving our attack as well."

Photo of Assistant Coach Neil Henry. Picture: Brendan Radke. Source: News Limited

THE FUTURE

Henry's wife, Cath, is yet to relocate to his Currumbin house while children Jack, 20, and Georgia, 18, are settled in Townsville.

But he's determined to deliver success to a rugby league region that's been craving some for so long.

"There's always been potential in this area," he said.

"It's been a difficult past with what's happened at the club.

"It's a strong roster, there's good depth now, particularly in the outside backs.

"We need to win most of our home games, if not all of them, and get the crowd excited about the style of footy we're playing.

"That's all we can control as a football department."

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