Newcastle Knights legend and Fox Sports star Matty Johns has sent shockwaves through the NRL by acquiring a minority stake in the Gold Coast Titans, marking his first venture into club ownership.
With this deal, Johns has become a part-owner of the embattled NRL club, with the Titans expected to formally announce the deal on Monday, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The move comes after weeks of reportedly secret negotiations between Johns and Titans chair Rebecca Frizelle, who took full ownership of the team in July following the departure of long-time co-owner Darryl Kelly.
The 54-year-old former Newcastle Knights and Cronulla Sharks star joins the Titans just months after major upheaval at the club, following the sacking of Des Hasler after a disappointing season that saw the team finish 16th on the ladder.
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Despite recent setbacks, Johns has long maintained that the Gold Coast Titans have untapped potential in the NRL and is optimistic about a resurgence under new head coach Josh Hannay.
The former NSW and Australian Test playmaker is expected to formally step into his ownership role in the New Year, ahead of the 2026 season.
While the exact value of Johns’ stake remains confidential, it has been reported that he and his wife, Trish Johns, view the investment as a long-term project, committed to helping rebuild the club both on and off the field.
Johns has advised Fox Sports – where he hosts two programs – of his stake acquisition, with the Daily Telegraph reporting that the network has no objection to their high-profile personality becoming a part-owner of the club.