He served the Club with distinction as a player for eight years, now Mark Minichiello is ready to jump in to help the Gold Coast Titans again by supporting the club’s community service program, Titans Together.
Titans Together was launched on Tuesday at a star-studded event at Kurrawa Surf Club, with Minichiello and fellow ex-Titans Clinton Toopi, William Zillman and Luke Douglas on hand to show their support for the initiative and the Titans as a whole.
Minichiello was one of the original Titans – joining the club for its debut year in 2007, and going onto be one of its greatest servants, with 173 games for the Titans over eight seasons.
“Mini” finally called time on his extraordinary career after 397 top-flight games with the Titans, Roosters, Rabbitohs and finally Super League’s Hull FC, with whom he played 138 games in five seasons.
On top of that, the 38-year-old played five games for NSW City Origin, and six Tests for Italy – putting his senior career total over the mythical 400-game mark.
Now back on the Gold Coast after the finish of his English career, Minichiello is keen to give back to the community and grassroots football in the region, and sees Titans Together as the perfect way to do that.
“Rugby league is a massive part of my life. I was at the club for eight years, and I would love to be involved and help out the community,” Minichiello said. “They support the team and the club, and you have to give back to the community.
“I love helping people. I am doing some things on my own with some programs to help people live better lives and perform better. So if I can help out, that would be great.
We are Titans Together
“The new branding, Titans Together, is a great initiative by the club. We did lots of community work at the start when I first came on board at the Titans, and to see where it has come and grown to is exciting for the club and the community as well.
“They are doing some excellent work, and some of the programs are really inspiring to the people who are involved and everyone around.
“I am really proud that I had a really small part to play in that when I was at the club, and now if I can help out since I am back on the Gold Coast, I am happy to do that.”
Minichiello said the Titans’ never-ending commitment to community would ensure the club would evolve into a powerhouse of the NRL.
#TitansTogether Launch A Huge Success
“They have struggled (on the field) over the past few years, but one thing that has never waivered is their commitment to the community,” he said.
“That is a credit to the club, and it is one way you can build a foundation for success….by having that strong community base.
“I hope everyone jumps on board. I know Justin (Holbrook) is a great coach and he is going to do some great things with the team. I hope they can transfer that onto the field, and together grow into a real force in the NRL.”
