Gold Coast have issued a statement partly attributing Des Hasler’s recent outburst at the officiating to the growing pressure on his position.
The head coach has been under fire throughout the first three months of an underwhelming campaign for the Titans.
They are currently rooted to the bottom of the ladder ahead of Round 14, winning just three of their 11 matches.
MORE: Ranking Des Hasler's most infamous rants after NRL gives 'final warning'
Titans support Des Hasler and take aim at ‘speculative reporting’
Hasler took aim at Bunker official Kasey Badger last weekend after she chalked off a Sam Verrills try during the side’s loss to Melbourne.
Badger adjudicated that the Titans hooker illegally took advantage of his captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui’s position in the ruck to obstruct the defenders.
"(Tino) played the ball so he was allowed to hold his ground, I was told," a clearly irritated Hasler said post-match.
"The ball's laid on the ground, they were lying on the ground, six again, penalty, I don't know ... Ryan Papenhuyzen wasn't obstructed and that was the word for word what the NRL set out.
"I will be interested to see what their explanation was. Kasey got it wrong, again."
Those comments have since landed the coach in hot water with the NRL, as they issued Hasler with a final warning for his "direct and targeted criticism" of match officials.
The Titans responded to this with an unusual statement on Thursday night, acknowledging the charge before taking aim at recent reports.
"Coaches can be under immense pressure during the season and this can be evident in the post-match environment," the Titans noted.
"Speculative media reporting can add to that pressure."
This is no doubt related to the noise surrounding Hasler’s position coming under threat due to a reported stipulation in his contract that requires him to make the finals this year to guarantee his position at the club.
As a result, Kevin Walters was linked to being a possible replacement. Yet the former Brisbane coach promptly addressed the speculation and distanced himself from the job amid Hasler’s struggles.
The Titans have now moved to support the premiership-winning coach while maintaining he isn’t in danger of being axed.
"Contrary to recent reporting, the Titans ownership group want to confirm Hasler will remain head coach," the club stated. "He is contracted until the end of 2026."