Gold Coast Titans' new boss Graham Annesley to make assist with decision on the future of coach John Cartwright Graham Annesley has quit politics to become the new CEO of the Gold Coast Titans. Picture: Peter Kelly Source: DailyTelegraph GRAHAM Annesley faces a daunting baptism as Titans chief executive with the former NRL referee set to have input on whether the club sacks foundation coach John Cartwright. On Wednesday, the Titans scored a major coup with the appointment of Annesley, who is regarded among Australia's most respected sporting administrators. Annesley previously worked as the NRL's chief operating officer during David Gallop's reign as CEO before entering politics two years ago as the NSW government's minister for sport and recreation. Annesley is now back in rugby league, and one of his first tasks as Gold Coast boss will be shining a forensic torch on Cartwright and his under-resourced football department. Cartwright is contracted until the end of 2016, but the Titans will miss the finals for the third successive year if they lose to the Roosters this Sunday at Allianz Stadium. Titans coach John Cartwright. Picture: David Clark The Titans would face a $1 million payout by severing ties with Cartwright, although as he showed during his lengthy career as a whistle-blower, Annesley is not afraid to make tough calls. Annesley replaces David May, who resigned as Titans boss in June, and believes he can take the club forward following the $25 million debt crisis that nearly sank the Coast last year. Annesley is determined to win back the Gold Coast's support, admitting there had been a "disconnect" between the club and region after years of uncertainty. Annesley and wife Erica will move in late September following a 10-day holiday in the US. POOR ATTITUDE: Coach John Cartwright looks on as Dave Taylor trains with the Gold Coast Titans. "The Titans clearly have to reconnect as much as possible with the community," he said. Because they have been through some difficult times through the last few years, maybe there's been a slight disconnect. Without community and fans, clubs simply don't exist. Re-establishing the club's reputation in the community as belonging to the community is really important. I don't want to get into the nitty gritty about how we'll do that but that's what I'll be working on from day one. Annesley's appointment came as a shock with the Titans not expected to land a candidate with such a high profile and reputation. His relationship with senior NRL and government figures will be crucial to the Titans as well as his rugby league background after nine years with the NRL. Titans majority owner Michael Searle played a large part in luring Annesley with the two having a strong friendship after working closely during the Gold Coast's NRL bid in the early 2000s. I was closely involved with the Titans bid when they were admitted to the competition. They've got an incredibly bright future," Annesley said. I know they've been through some tough times but the worst of that's behind them. I'd like to think I could make a contribution to their future success. The Titans will be hoping Annesley's appointment is a long-term one. Searle resigned under mounting pressure in July last year with May lasting only 11 months in the role. Annesley said he was determined to bring stability to the club. "Everything I've done in my life has been about providing stability and leadership and bringing people together," he said. When it comes to sport, people are already very emotionally attached so we just need to harness that energy and point them in the right direction. Annesley will visit the club on Thursday to meet staff and players. Interim Titans CEO Darryl Kelly lauded the appointment. "Graham has an outstanding reputation within the game and it's extremely significant that an individual with such a reputation for professionalism and integrity has elected to join the club as our new CEO," he said. We considered a number of strong candidates for the position and we are fortunate to have someone of Graham's calibre joining the club.