Chief a Titan of patience

Annesley in for long haul as Gold Coast rebuilds

GRAHAM Annesley has unfinished business.

The high-pressure chief executive role of a sports club such as the NRL’s Gold Coast Titans often is associated with burnout and short career spans.

But ahead of his fifth NRL season at the helm of the Titans, Annesley has declared he won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

“Not that I know of,” he laughed.

After years of hard work rebuilding the embattled club and navigating through various scandals, Annesley is determined to guide the Titans to better times for all of its members to savour.

“It’s had its challenges, there’s no question,” he said.

“Every year has thrown up a different set of challenges but that’s the nature of the work.

“I have been involved in this game for a long time and I’ve worked at head office pretty much as (former NRL CEO) David Gallop’s second-incharge, so I have seen it all and what I want to see here is I want to see this club successful.

“To me, the job is not finished.

“It will never really be finished for anybody regardless of whether it is me or anyone who sits in my chair going forward because you are always trying to improve, you are always trying to win.

“There’s no point being in the competition if you are not trying to win.”

The Titans will tackle the 2018 season with a new coach, new owners, new major sponsor, and a revamped roster.

“I’m looking forward to the fact that we have got some clear air now and hopefully the players can do the rest for us but there’s no guarantees about any of that,” Annesley said.

“There are no guarantees that we won’t have some more hurdles along the way.

“The game has a way of throwing up hurdles but to me the job is not finished.

“I’m pretty lucky, I don’t really get too stressed about things.”

Started his rugby league career with the Parramatta District Rugby League Referees Association at 13.

Became a first grade ref in 1982. Between 1982 and 1997 he controlled 244 first-grade matches and six finals (12th most all-time).

Controlled the 1994 State of Origin and Test matches.

Appointed Titans chief executive officer in 2014.