'Man for the job': Inaugural captain backs Hasler to return Titans to finals glory

Inaugural Titans captain Luke Bailey has thrown his full support behind Des Hasler's appointment to the helm of his former club as the foundation front rower returns to Cbus Super Stadium for this weekend's season opener.

A guest speaker in the Palladium Club pre-game before delivering the match ball for this Saturday's Round 1 clash between the 269-gamer's two previous clubs, 'Bull' has lauded the two-time premiership-winning mentor as the 'right man for the job' to help the Gold Coast returns to finals footy - something Bailey played a pivotal part to get the Titans to the playoffs in 2009 and 2010.

"I love Dessie and I was rapt on his appointment," he told titans.com.au.

"I was sort of pushing him to be the [New South Wales] Origin coach before he got the role at the Titans.

"Anyone who has worked with him loves him. I’ve met him but I’ve never had a great deal with him, but he’ll be perfect.

"He’s looking to get some good results. I think he’s the man for the job.

"I would’ve loved to play under him, so hopefully I get a chance to say g’day this weekend."

Excited to get a firsthand glimpse of Hasler's first game in charge when he watches from the sidelines of his old stomping ground this weekend, Titan #2 believes a key to the 458-game coach's success will be the belief of his playing squad in his philosophy, with every player to have played under him over the past 19 seasons in awe of his passionate leadership.

"I think he’s going to really get buy-in [from the playing group]," Bailey said.

"Once you have that and the boys trust everything that he’s doing... it seems to have worked previously for him.

"I don’t really know any guys who have spoken negatively about him and what he does.

"He seems pretty passionate and will instil plenty of passion in the boys."