The crucial connection that could keep Taylor at Titans

New Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan has lifted the hopes of Titans fans with the revelation he is close to star playmaker Ash Taylor.

The former Panthers assistant explained he's had an 18-month mentoring role with the 22-year-old Titans halfback, placing him in an ideal position to coax the young star into staying at the club beyond 2018.

"It's exciting, I think he's a real talent, he's a part of what's going to help us go forward and build a club around and I'm fairly confident that he's not far away from committing to the Gold Coast Titans," Brennan said of Taylor.

The ex-Penrith NSW Cup coach is highly regarded in rugby league circles and is credited with bringing through the Panthers' current batch of young stars.

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Meanwhile, Brennan will call on his 18 years of police service, saying it has given him the man-management skills to handle Jarryd Hayne.

Brennan was unveiled as Neil Henry's replacement on a three-year deal on Thursday, beating Brisbane assistant Jason Demetriou and sacked South Sydney coach Michael Maguire for the role.

Confident he has a competitive squad to work with, the 45-year-old pointed to local development as a way of future-proofing the Titans and avoiding any rebuilding phase.

Hayne's fractured relationship with Henry contributed to the coach's demise, but Brennan said his experience as a policeman would help him handle the fullback.

"It has made me the person I am, made me the coach I am," Brennan said.

"(Being a policeman is) probably the toughest job you'll do; I've had life experiences and it helps me be that man manager because it helps you see where people come from.

"I won't treat everyone equally because people are different.

"But hurting the Gold Coast brand, that's a non-negotiable and when I'll come down hard on you."

Brennan said he was yet to settle on his assistants, stopping short of confirming if Terry Matterson and Craig Hodges would retain their posts.

With AAP