Titans Coach Garth Brennan On The Process Of Signing Bryce Cartwright

Garth Brennan has revealed that he first spoke to Bryce Cartwright about signing with the Titans last October, saying that the ex-Panthers player originally turned down his offer.

Speaking on Monday night's The Rush Hour with MG, the new Gold Coast coach explained that he had reflected on his own career before reaching out to Cartwright, who signed a four-year deal with the Titans on Saturday.

“I’d spoken to Bryce at the back end of last year," Brennan said. "I’ve know the kid since he was 17. I’ve had a good relationship with him over the time I’ve coached him at Penrith.

"I just felt his off-field stuff has been, unfortunately, well documented in the media outlets. I just felt like Bryce could do with a change.

"I moved from Newcastle to Penrith and it was the best thing that ever happened to my career as a coach. I felt I could get him up here and get him away from what he was dealing with back at home. I just thought a change would be good for him."

After Cartwright said he wasn't ready to move and leave home, Brennan left it at that - until the issue came up again in late January.

"I think he’s had some thoughts over the last few months, over Christmas and obviously with the birth of his first son and he then felt the time had come and maybe he needed a change," Brennan continued. "What I’d been saying to him back in October [to move to the Titans] might have been the right move for him.

"We touched base about a week or so ago and then I spoke with Gus [Phil Gould] about it, that Bryce was interested in making the move and it sort of went from there.”

Brennan was quick to point out that signing Cartwright would have no bearing on his pursual of teammate Tyrone Peachey who is off-contract at the end of next year.

“We’ve had some discussions with Peach," he admitted. "Obviously it’s in Penrith’s ball park at the moment to make a decision whether they’re willing to let him go. We’re certainly interested in having him up here. 

"I'll tell you the truth, yeah he did fly up and I showed him around. It’s certainly not for 2018. It’s obviously for beyond.

"But that’s up to Penrith and his management now to make the decision if they want to 1. Let him go and 2. Whether he wants to make the move.

"I’ve made no secret, I’m a Tyron Peachey fan, I’d love to have him up here but the ball is well and truly in his court now whether he wants to take up that option or whether Penrith is willing to let him go.”

You can hear MG's full chat with Garth Brennan below:

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