The Gold Coast Titans were proudly represented at the 57th Gold Coast Sports Awards on Saturday night, with two of the club’s former owners recognised for their contribution to the local sporting community and their steadfast leadership during their time at the Titans.
Held at The Star Gold Coast, the black-tie event celebrated the achievements of elite athletes, grassroots clubs and volunteers across the city, continuing a tradition that dates back more than five decades.
Kellys honoured with Spirit of Sport Medal
Long-time Titans supporters and owners Daryl and Jo Kelly were awarded the 2025 Daphne Pirie Spirit of Sport Medal - an honour recognising individuals whose impact on sport extends far beyond results.
The award celebrates the very values Daphne Pirie stood for: selflessness, dedication and an unwavering commitment to community sport.
For Titans fans, the recognition comes as no surprise.
For 13 years, the Kellys have been pillars of the club’s supporter base, board and ownership, bringing energy, passion and generosity to match days and community initiatives alike.
As owners, Daryl and Jo played a pivotal role in stabilising and guiding the Titans through difficult periods, providing certainty and direction when the club needed it most.
From supporting key football and community programs to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organisation, their commitment went far beyond the boardroom, helping rebuild belief and create a welcoming environment for fans of all ages across the Gold Coast sporting landscape.
Their contribution reflects the essence of what makes sport on the Coast special through connection, belonging and people who give more than they ever ask in return.
“Daryl and Jo represent the very best of our club and our city,” Titans chairman, Dennis Watt said.
“Their passion for the Titans and the wider sporting community is unmatched, and this honour is incredibly well deserved.”
"The contribution they have made to the Titans and wider Gold Coast community deserves to be celebrated."
Rogers inducted into Gold Coast Hall of Fame
The evening also celebrated one of the club’s most iconic names, with foundation Titans player Mat Rogers inducted into the Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame as its 50th member.
Raised on the Gold Coast and a proud local product, Rogers returned home in 2007 as a marquee signing when the Titans entered the NRL.
As a foundation player, he played 77 games for the club and helped shape its identity in the formative years, bringing leadership, experience and star power to the new franchise.
His final appearance in Titans colours also marked his 200th NRL game, which was a fitting milestone for a player who left a lasting imprint on the club’s early history.
While Rogers enjoyed a decorated career across both rugby league and union, including international honours in each code, his role in establishing the Titans remains one of his most enduring legacies on the Gold Coast.
Since retirement, Rogers has remained a prominent figure in the local community through media and philanthropic work, continuing to give back to the region that helped shape his career.
“Mat’s influence on the Titans in those early years cannot be overstated,” Watt said.
“He helped lay the foundations of this club and it’s fantastic to see him recognised among the Gold Coast’s sporting greats.”
Celebrating Gold Coast sporting excellence
Presented by the Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame and Sports Gold Coast, the annual awards honour the achievements and personalities that continue to shape sport across the region.
From elite performance to grassroots contribution, the night serves as a reminder of the rich sporting culture that defines the Gold Coast, and the people who help it thrive.
For the Titans, seeing members of the club community recognised on such a stage was a proud moment, highlighting the impact the club continues to have both on and off the field.
