Titans rebuild plan cops a blow as Recruitment Boss, Jamie Mathiou confirms resignation
TRAVIS MEYN
GOLD COAST BULLETIN AUGUST 14, 2015 12:00AM
THE Gold Coast Titans’ rebuilding plans have been dealt a blow following the shock resignation of recruitment boss Jamie Mathiou.
Mathiou tendered his resignation on Wednesday, surprising many at the Titans given he had a three-year contract to help turn the club into a premiership force.
Mathiou joined the Titans in October last year and was one of incoming coach Neil Henry’s key football staffing appointments.
Mathiou confirmed he had resigned when contacted by the Gold Coast Bulletin last night and cited “work commitments” for his departure but politely declined to comment further.
Titans chief executive Graham Annesley said Mathiou would leave the club on good terms.
“There’s no problem. He’s not leaving with any kind of animosity,” he said.
“He runs a very successful business and wants to concentrate on that next year.
“He’s going to stay with us until the end of the season. He is not walking away right now.
“Jamie’s been an important part of the football staff and rebuild of the club’s playing roster. There are no ill feelings by either party and we wish him well.”
Mathiou had an eventful season in charge of the Gold Coast’s recruitment strategy.
The former Roosters recruitment co-ordinator played a role in signing Daly Cherry-Evans but when the Manly ace sensationally reneged, Mathiou was left with a tough assignment to add quality players to the Gold Coast’s roster in short time.
He has managed to sign Broncos young gun Ashley Taylor and Newcastle halfback Tyrone Roberts along with veteran trio David Shillington, Nathan Friend and Zeb Taia.
Mathiou was also involved in the club’s decision to not exercise an option to keep captain Nate Myles on the Gold Coast, which led to the Origin veteran signing a three-year deal with Manly.
The Titans have made big changes to their playing roster this season with Henry and Mathiou at the helm.
Dave Taylor will move to the Super League next season while reigning player of the year Beau Falloon hasn’t been offered a contract extension.
Annesley said Mathiou’s departure wasn’t ideal however, the club was in a good position heading into the 2016 season.
“We’ve pretty much put our roster in place for next season,” he said.
“There won’t be any major additions to the squad until the end of next year.
“We’ve still got a bit of money left in our salary cap but we’re taking our time with that for 2016.
“Jamie’s been an integral part of putting the squad together with Neil to take the club forward.
“It’s obviously a blow when you lose any member of your organisation but there’s no animosity or drama.”
Mathiou, a former first grade prop with North Sydney, North Queensland and Leeds, will see out the remainder of the season with the Titans.
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... aaaand our off-field operation is looking even shakier than our 2016 line up.
My only hope is that Graham Annesley, Neil Henry and co. aren't far behind Jamie en route to the exit.