Gold Coast NRL coach John Cartwright says if an AFL team had faced the same financial difficulties as the Titans, their peak body would have sorted the problems out a long time ago.

The ARL Commission made it clear last week it is not convinced the sale of the club’s beleaguered Centre of Excellence will be enough to stave off financial ruin.

A week ago the Titans sold the building which is at the heart of the club’s reported $25 million debt for an undisclosed sum – with managing director Michael Searle trumpeting the sale as a significant step in shoring up the club’s future.

Independent auditors are to hand a report on their investigation into the club’s finances to the ARL Commission any day and last week chief executive David Gallop said the impact of the Centre of Excellence sale was still not clear.

The coach and senior players rallied behind Searle on Tuesday in a show of unity.

Cartwright said all Searle ever wanted was what’s good for the Gold Coast and good for rugby league.

“He’s not asking for a handout, he’s asking for some assistance to get through as a loan basically,” he told reporters.

“If this was AFL I’m sure it would have been sorted out and done and dusted and the club would be looking nothing but forward – that’s all we’re asking and I think he’s done enough to deserve that right.”

Inaugural Titan Luke Bailey, newcomer Nate Myles and retired club favourite Preston Campbell were among players who paid tribute to Searle’s commitment to the players and the Gold Coast.

Cartwright admitted that after five losses in a row, and the team sitting in second last position on the ladder, many fans are feeling disillusioned.

“For me the most disappointing thing is our form on the field,” he said.

Despite the team’s poor performance he has no thoughts of resigning.

“I won’t give in … if Mike tapped me on the shoulder tomorrow I’d walk, it wouldn’t bother me,” Cartwright said.

“It’s been tough and the results haven’t been there but if you think I’m going to walk away, no I won’t.”

Cartwright said there was no doubt the club would be restructured.

“I definitely think a board will come in and Mike won’t have a problem with that either,” he said.

But he said any attempt to give the licence to an outside consortium which wanted to change the team’s name, colours and home ground would be doomed.