Gold Coast Titans announce ownership change: Darryl Kelly sells half-share in club, Frizelle family assumes full ownership

Wooden spoon favourites the Gold Coast Titans have announced an ownership change, with their long-time benefactor Darryl Kelly selling his half-share in the club.

Wooden spoon favourites the Gold Coast Titans have announced an ownership change with long-time benefactor Darryl Kelly selling his half-share in the club.

The Frizelle family will assume full ownership of the franchise after seven years of co-ownership with Kelly. They purchased the club in 2017.

Kelly has had a lifelong involvement with the game and it’s doubtful the club would have survived difficult times without his financial generosity and administrative skills.

Kelly will remain on the Titans board.

“It has been a privilege to be involved in helping keep an NRL team here in the unique position of operating both sides of the New South Wales-Queensland border,” Kelly said.

“It has been an even greater privilege to watch young players, both male and female, represent themselves, their families and their communities with genuine pride on state, national and international stages.

“Rugby league in particular operates on the front lines of many of the issues impacting young people today.

Des Hasler alongside Darryl Kelly, who has sold his half-share in the Gold Coast club. Picture: Portia Large

“It gives them a path, a support base and a sense of confidence not just in sport but in life generally.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to play a part in their lives and to help provide a genuine source of pride for our communities.”

The club remains in good hands with the Frizelle family.

Still it is a difficult time for the club sitting at the bottom of the ladder and facing stiff opposition from the AFL side the Suns.

Des Hasler alongside Rebecca Frizelle. Picture: Portia Large

Rebecca Frizelle said: “Darryl and Joanne (his wife) have been the best partners you could ask for, and we’ll forever be grateful for their extraordinary contribution over the last seven transformative years,” she said.

“As we move forward as sole owners, we remain committed to addressing our on-field challenges while building on our strong community foundations.

“Our focus remains on bringing success to our region, and while that hasn’t been achieved at the level we’d expected to date, we’re committed to ensuring the Titans are thriving in both male and female competitions.”

Titans chairman Dennis Watt praised both families as “exceptional custodians of sport on the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales, creating opportunities that extend far beyond just the NRL team”.

“For people in our game, the goal must always be to leave it better than you found it. Darryl and Jo Kelly can exit the ownership knowing that they have done exactly that. They have been selfless servants of the game, the club and the community.”

Originally published as Gold Coast Titans announce ownership change: Darryl Kelly sells half-share in club, Frizelle family assumes full ownership