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Lauded as an historic move, Tallis and Jemma Elder join Matty and Trish Johns, award-winning journalist Hedley Thomas and Ruth Mathewson as well as Billy and Jackie Cross and Michael and Jodie Atkins in joining the club’s ownership group. It’s a fresh feel on the Gold Coast with Josh Hannay replacing Des Hasler after a couple of lean years in charge, and there’s now some off-field stability as well with some high-profile faces providing financial backing. The Frizelle family will remain as the club’s major shareholders with the Titans looking to become a commercially dominant force in the NRL and NRLW. “We’re creating an enduring legacy for the Gold Coast,” the Frizelles said. “We have come full circle - it was through the encouragement and support of the Johns, Tallis, Cross and Thomas families that we first became involved in the club many years ago. “This opportunity has united a remarkable group of experienced leaders who share our passion for rugby league, the Titans and our commitment to this region. “Their collective expertise and financial investment will strengthen every dimension of our club - from high performance football, culture, stakeholder and fan engagement to commercial excellence. “Our family’s dedication to the Titans has never been stronger, and this consortium enables us to harness the exceptional capabilities and expertise of partners who believe wholeheartedly in the club’s potential and have been prepared to invest financially. “It’s an inspiring alignment of values, vision, proven success and most importantly, passion.” Johns said increasing his stake in the game was as significant as anything he’d done as a player or commentator. “This season marks fifty years since I first pulled on a pair of football boots as a five-year-old, at home in Cessnock. Rugby league is, and always has been, more than a sport for the Johns family, and to be given a chance to enter into ownership, is surreal to say the least,” Matt Johns said. “We’re investing into the Titans because we believe in the club’s potential and believe that the business acumen and professionalism of the Frizelle family will soon see that potential realised. “But it’s not just an investment into the Titans, it’s an investment into rugby league, a sport which has entered a golden period, and will continue its boom into the future.” Journalists and business owners have also invested, as has Gorden Tallis who has been a Titans ambassador and one of the most powerful voices in the media since he retired. “It’s the first time, as far as I’m aware, that premiership-winning players have taken ownership in an NRL club. The Frizelle family have created a historic opportunity for the game,” Tallis said. “From a footy-mad kid in Townsville to living the game’s greatest moments - I owe this game everything. And now, as investors and owners, I plan to bring that same passion to help shape the game’s future in this region and provide opportunities for the next generation of aspiring participants - on and off the field.” “Rugby league is, and always has been, more than a sport for the Johns family, and to be given a chance to enter into ownership, is surreal to say the least.”
