Touch footy boss to take over Titans

GOLD Coast Titans have announced Touch Football Australia chief Steve Mitchell will become their next chief executive, replacing Graham Annesley.

The Titans said Mitchell – who has held executive roles with NRL club North Queensland, Super Rugby franchise the Melbourne Rebels and in the media – would start in February.

The 49- year- old Mitchell takes over from Annesley who left at the end of the 2018 season to rejoin the NRL as head of its elite football programs. Titans executive chairman Dennis Watt will continue as acting CEO until Mitchell begins his new role.

“In his five years here, Graham helped negotiate this club through some tough times so that it now stands on rock solid foundations,” Watt said.

“With a band of dedicated staff, players and coaches behind us, we are all very much looking forward to working with Steve to ensure that we build on these foundations and become an NRL powerhouse to reward our loyal sponsors, members, fans and supporters.” Mitchell’s appointment caps a string of recruits by the Titans including new performance and culture head Mal Meninga and player signings Shannon Boyd, Tyrone Peachey and Brian Kelly.

Mitchell will remain as an adviser to the Touch Football Australia board.

Mitchell is the father of former NRL player Anthony who had stints at Parramatta, Sydney Roosters, Cowboys and the Townsville Blackhawks.