Club Update: Titans enter new era as consortium joins ownership

The Gold Coast Titans are entering an exciting new era, strengthening the club and delivering on its strategic ambitions, by welcoming a diverse consortium of new equity partners who are leading specialists across rugby league, media, business and entertainment.

This strategic shareholder expansion drives the Frizelle family’s ambition to make the Titans a dominant NRL and NRLW powerhouse and a source of pride for the Gold Coast and surrounding communities.

Brett and Rebecca Frizelle, who continue as the club's major shareholders, said the consortium represents a transformative opportunity to build a community-connected, commercially powerful NRL and NRLW club that achieves sustained success on the field.

"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."

The consortium brings remarkable depth across multiple fields including rugby league, media, business, sport, and entertainment.

Matt & Trish Johns

After a successful, and premiership-winning career on the field, Matt ranks among Australia's most respected rugby league voices through The Matty Johns Show and Fox League, delivering authentic game experience, insight, and commanding media reach.

While The Johns Family Podcast, featuring Matt, Trish, alongside their sons Cooper and Jack, is one of Australia's leading podcast programs.

"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."

Gorden Tallis & Jemma Elder

Gorden Tallis, the legendary ‘Raging Bull,’ helped define one of the most exciting periods of the modern game as captain of the Kangaroos, the Maroons, and the Broncos. A proud Queenslander and long-time voluntary Titans ambassador, Tallis continues to shape the NRL game in his capacity with the Australian Kangaroos and as a leading commentator on Fox Sports’ NRL 360, and Triple M.

Jemma Elder is an accomplished director and executive who has had a life-long passion for rugby league and contributed enormously to the Titans since joining the board in 2021. Together they bring legacy and leadership to the club’s new chapter.

“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.”

“We believe in the Titans’ vision. Together with the board, executive, and consortium, we’re committed to building a club that remains a source of pride for our players, members, fans, and partners.” Tallis and Elder said.

Hedley Thomas & Ruth Mathewson

Hedley Thomas is one of Australia's most respected and awarded investigative journalists with eight Walkley Awards including two Gold Walkley's over a career spanning four decades in the media. A senior journalist for The Australian for almost 20 years, his podcast investigations into the unsolved murders of Australian women have had more than 100 million downloads - starting with the global hit The Teacher's Pet and culminating in the latest series, Bronwyn.

Hedley, and his journalist-nurse wife Ruth Mathewson, bring exceptional media and communications expertise and practical experience to the consortium.

"Rugby league is shaped by powerful stories of resilience, community and determination - and the Titans story is one of the very best," Thomas said.

"As journalists and storytellers, we feel privileged to be able to help write a new and exciting Titans narrative, uniting and inspiring loyal fans across many communities.

"Ruth and I are investing in the Titans and a club led by highly respected people with integrity, boundless energy, acumen and a bold vision.

"We look forward to helping amplify the club's voice and strengthening the Titans' ties with fans across the Gold Coast and beyond."

Billy & Jackie Cross

As founders and directors of Cross Promotions, Queensland's premier outdoor and festival enterprise, the Crosses have redefined Gold Coast entertainment and delivered world-renowned productions, including Thunder from Down Under, Las Vegas' longest running show.

"The Gold Coast has always been about world-class entertainment and unforgettable experiences - that's what we've built our business on for decades," said Billy Cross.

"The Titans have that same potential to be a premiere destination for sports entertainment in this region. The Titans' game day, fan and member experiences already rival anything in the NRL, and we're looking forward to creating even more memorable events and moments for fans, families, and the wider Gold Coast community.

"Our love for the Gold Coast runs deep, and we've been proud Titans supporters since day one. This city has an incredible spirit, and the Titans are such a big part of that. We're excited to further elevate the Titans brand both on and off the field."

Michael and Jodie Atkins

As long-term Gold Coast residents with more than 40 years in business, Michael and Jodie Atkins have built and operated multiple enterprises across Australia. They have opened new markets and fostered strong community relationships through genuine engagement and commitment via their successful McDonalds operations.

They have been proud supporters and sponsors of the Titans for many years and worked closely with the Frizelles on many local charitable causes over decades. They have seen firsthand the passion and dedication that drives Brett and Rebecca's vision for the club. Michael and Jodie's background in high-level sports sponsorship, from local through to state and national levels, has given them a deep appreciation of the value the Titans brings to the community.

"We're passionate about the Gold Coast, about sport, and about the development of young people, and we see this partnership as an opportunity to help maximise the Titans' impact and success for the benefit of the entire region," they said.

Brett and Rebecca Frizelle emphasised how the consortium accelerates the club's united vision:

"This group represents far more than financial investment - it's a partnership forged through shared values and collective belief in the Titans' extraordinary potential," they said.

"This is a consortium of quality and experienced individuals who have backed and supported our family and our club over many years. With this exceptional group alongside our board, our executive and our team, we're positioned to achieve premiership success, strengthen our community connections, and build a club that makes every supporter proud."

The Frizelle family retains majority ownership, ensuring leadership continuity and unwavering commitment as the Titans charge into an exciting new era of growth and on-field success.

Pending final ARLC approval, the shareholder change will see the Club’s current governance structures remain in place, with consortium members working closely with the Board of Directors and Administration on strategic initiatives for 2026 and beyond.

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