Graham Annesley has quit his job as NSW sports minister to join the Gold Coast as the NRL club’s new chief executive.

Annesley, who has been NSW’s sports minister since his election as the MP for Miranda in 2011, tearfully quit parliament on Wednesday afternoon as he announced the decision.

“I believe I’ve been a good minister,” the former grand final referee told parliament.

“Equally and I’m only too happy to admit, I don’t consider myself to be a very good politician.”

Annesley fills the role left vacant following the departure of Englishman David May in June.

He is expected to take up the role in mid-September.

Before entering politics, Annesley had worked as the NRL’s director of football and then chief operating officer since 1995.

Titans chairman Darryl Kelly said Annesley’s experience as a sports administrator made him the ideal person for the job.

“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,” Kelly said in a statement.

“We considered a number of strong candidates for the position and we are fortunate to have someone of Graham’s calibre joining the club.”