Gold Coast Titans boss Graham Annesley has quit the club in order to take up a new position with the NRL

GOLD Coast Titans boss Graham Annesley is leaving the club, ending a five-year tenure. But the former NRL referee has not walked away from the sport for good.

GOLD Coast Titans boss Graham Annesley has sensationally quit the club in order to help the NRL run the entire game.

Annesley has accepted an offer from NRL CEO Todd Greenberg to become its new Head of Elite Football Programs, essentially acting as Greenberg’s right-hand man.

The 61-year-old was approached by Greenberg in recent weeks and has been in discussions with Titans owners Rebecca Frizelle and Darryl Kelly ever since.

Annesley is already in the midst of plans to relocate to Sydney for the new position.

The move ends Annesley’s five-year tenure as CEO of the Titans who he has successfully navigated through numerous challenges that could have crippled the club.

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Annesley brought the club back from the brink of financial collapse multiple times, helped re-establish the club’s image throughout a cocaine scandal, oversaw the establishment of the club’s new $25 million training and administration centre at Parkwood, negotiated a new stadium deal for CBUS Super Stadium and helped bring in new coach Garth Brennan.

Annesley said he was left the club feeling proud of its current stability and was confident he was leaving it in the right hands.

“The last five years have been some of the most challenging, yet satisfying times of my professional career”, Annesley said.

Titans CEO Graham Annesley out the front of CBUS Super Stadium in Robina. Picture: Jerad Williams

“While the challenges have been well documented, I take a great deal of pride in the current health of the club both on and off the field.

“The club is now well positioned to compete with the very best in the NRL in the years ahead. We have amazingly committed owners, model independent corporate governance, talented and dedicated staff and executive team, first-class high-performance facilities, responsible and sustainable financial management, a roster full of experience and youthful potential, and a head coach who has all the required attributes to guide the team to success in 2019 and beyond.

Titans have named one of the stands at Cbus Super Stadium after club legend Preston Campbell. Photo of him with Graham Annesley. Picture: Richard Gosling

“The opportunity to once again contribute across the entire game as part of the NRL administration arose unexpectedly a few weeks ago. My decision to accept the new role has not been easy as I genuinely believe this club is on the cusp of great success. However, after agonising over the decision with my wife, club owners Darryl Kelly and Rebecca Frizelle, and Executive Chair Dennis Watt, I ultimately decided the time was right to pass the Titans baton on as the club continues to pursue its enormous potential.

“I want to thank everyone associated with the Titans for the amazing opportunity and privilege

afforded to me during my time as CEO. From past and present owners, to the Board, my executive team and staff, players and football personnel, sponsors, corporate partners, members and supporters, I couldn’t have asked for more support and assistance. I am going to miss everyone enormously”, Annesley concluded.

Annesley’s move to the NRL adds another chapter to an incredible career.

The former first-grade referee, who officiated the 1994 State of Origin, has previously spent time as the NRL’s director of football and chief operating officer.

Annesley also enjoyed a successful politically career and was the Minister for Sport and Recreation before he resigned from parliament in order to take up the position at the Titans.

Greenberg said Annesley was the ideal person to take on the new role of running elite

football programs next season.

“It has become clear this year that the Head of Football role needs to be split into two areas – elite and participation programs,” he said.

“Brian Canavan will continue to oversee the participation and pathways programs which are crucial to the future of the game.

“Graham will take on all aspects of the elite competition – from running the Premiership to

overseeing match officials and rule changes.

“It means we will have someone with enormous experience in the game – from refereeing at the top level to running a club - focussed solely on the Telstra Premiership.”

Mr Annesley said he looked forward to the challenge of delivering the best possible sporting

competition for Rugby League fans.

“The game is already in great shape... in fact Rugby League is one of the few sports which has seen a lift in both crowds and ratings this year,” he said.

“But I have no doubt it can be even better for players and fans and that will be my focus from November 1.”