Minichiello commits to Gold Coast
Gold Coast Titans backrower Mark Minichiello has agreed to extend his stay on the Gold Coast after re-signing a new two-year deal with the club.
Minichiello, who has played 65 games for the Titans since debuting for the club during their inaugural season in 2007, has re-signed for seasons 2011 and 2012.
Since joining the Titans from the Rabbitohs, Minichiello has developed into a representative player – having played three matches for NSW City Origin in the past three seasons.
Titans Managing Director Michael Searle said it was great to see the 28-year-old become another long-term signing for the club as well as settle into life on the Gold Coast away from football.
The qualified electrician married partner Milena in the off-season and the couple are expecting their first child in mid-August.
“Mark and Milena came up here in November 2006 as a young couple with bright eyes and now they have settled as a couple and have a child on the way which is really exciting for them both,” said Searle.
“I think Mark has a big future in the game and we are really happy with him on and off the paddock. It’s great for him to be able to secure his future in this time for them both.”
Minichiello said he was excited to commit to the club into his sixth season and even suggested he may finish his career with the Titans.
“I’m really happy up here at the moment and Milena is pregnant so we thought it would be good to stay,” he said.
“The first three years have been very enjoyable and I didn’t want to put myself on the market because I’m enjoying life so much up here.
“The new deal means I’ll be here for six years and hopefully there’s a chance I can finish my career here after that.”
Titans Head Coach John Cartwright said Minichiello has entrenched himself as a respected individual at the club as the Titans’ fourth highest capped player.
“He’s an important signing for us and a respected member of the Titans squad,” said Cartwright.
“He’s turned himself into a representative backrower and I’ve got no doubt that his best football is in front of him.”
