Mat Rogers wants to be next board member

[DIEHARD]

Former Titans star Mat Rogers wants to be next board member
http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/

Ex-rugby league star Mat Rogers is pitching up for a key off-field role at the Gold Coast Titans believing he can help turn the ailing club around.

The Titans hall of famer plus dual rugby league and union international has put his name forward for the Titans board table as it actively seeks out new members.

“The board is incredibly experienced business wise. One thing I could add, having been part of football teams my entire life, is I understand the dynamic between administration, players and community engagement.

“We have seen other ex-players do it like Darren Lockyer at the Broncos,” Rogers told the Bulletin yesterday.

“It breaks my heart to see declining crowds, negative talk around the community about the club. I just want to get in there and see if I can add some value around community engagement and bringing the fans back.”

Rogers, who retired five years ago, said he had a great career but admitted he “was no angel” and thinks he can offer a lot of support to players too. “If we have someone who can talk to players about any issues — because there are going to be issues, let’s be honest — that’ll go a long way to making it a better club.”

The Titans have had a horror season on and off the field, with high-profile players caught up in a cocaine scandal and still fighting supply and possession charges. The side has languished near the bottom of the NRL table but had a solid win against Canberra last night.

Rogers, who says post-career he doesn’t want to be known as just a footballer, has founded the successful autism charity 4 ASD Kids since his retirement.

He reveals he’s also recently been appointed “program manager volunteer engagement” to help coordinate the 15,000 volunteers needed for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Lately, he’s had his hands full as a contestant in the Dancing with the Stars reality TV show, which had another sudden-death heat last night.

Gold Coast Titans board chairwoman Rebecca Frizelle said an external specialist company has been appointed to manage extra Titans board nominations and she wouldn’t comment on the suitability of Rogers.

“As part of this process we have agreed to remain confidential regarding potential candidates.”

Rogers shared with the Bulletin a positive email response he received from NRL boss Dave Smith about the prospect of his board nomination.

In the email, Mr Smith said the external company handling the nominations was looking for a “matrix of different skill sets required”.

“I will pass on your details to them and ensure you are included in the mix for consideration,” Mr Smith wrote to Rogers.

[Bayside Titan]

IMO is a great idea. Need someone like him or Chalky on the Board.

[kioli]

Love him, do it!!!!

[shamus]

Nice guy but is he the right person? I will let Rebecca, Graham and co decide.