Gold Coast's hierarchy have quietly backed coach Garth Brennan amid the noise of the NRL's coaching carousel, extending his contract ahead of the Titans' pre-season return on Monday.
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Brennan had signed a two-year deal with an option for a third, which was discretely triggered after a review of his debut season to ensure him at least two more years in charge of the club.
The vote of confidence is significant, given Kevin Walters - initially in the picture for the vacant Titans job - will be among those circling after missing out on the Brisbane post to Anthony Seibold.
Buoyed after securing a full suite of sponsors and breaking even last season, the Titans are also set to bolster their peripheral coaching set-up, while a replacement for NRL-bound CEO Graham Annesley is due to be announced within a fortnight.
"We triggered that third year for Garth because we believe he's the right man for the job," Titans executive chairman Dennis Watt told AAP.
"We need to put a little more support around him, but it gives him and the club the security we are after (to improve)."
The Titans finished 14th with an 8-16 record in Brennan's first season after replacing the axed Neil Henry.
Recruits Shannon Boyd, Ryley Jacks, Tyrone Peachey and Tyrone Roberts will bring with them higher expectations.
"It's time; you've got to start winning," former Titan and dual international Mat Rogers told AAP.
"He's got the talent there to do it and I think he's a good enough coach to do it.
"I know he's brought in players that he wanted - not inherited a team - and, when you do that, it's time to deliver."
High-profile Penrith recruit Bryce Cartwright was a flop in his first season, playing a bulk of the year in reserve grade.
Despite reported efforts to offload the utility, Cartwright will return to Parkwood for day one of pre-season in good condition after completing a fitness program with a small group of players.
AJ Brimson (shoulder), Dale Copley (knee, hamstring) and Moeaki Fotuaika (hip) are still recovering from off-season surgery.
The club is hunting a strike outside back after allowing Konrad Hurrell to break his contract and join English club Leeds as a marquee signing.
Australian Associated Press