Tino’s big little brother takes next step on career path to the NRL
THE younger brother of Kangaroos and Maroons star Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is on the verge of realising his NRL dream after signing an upgraded contract with the Gold Coast Titans.
Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui will remain with the Titans until at least 2025 – opening the door for him to play in the NRL alongside his brother and idol.
Iszac, 21, was entering the final season of a development list contract with the Titans in 2023 and facing an uncertain future.
But he has been upgraded to Gold Coast’s top 30 for the 2024-25 seasons and could play NRL as early as next season.
Iszac said it was a childhood dream to play NRL alongside his brother, the Queensland Origin gun who is the Titans’ captain and currently playing for the Kangaroos at the World Cup.
“It’s good now that I’m here fulltime and can really improve my game,” he said.
“I always want to impress him (Tino) because he’s my older brother. I look up to him heaps. I want to train like him and be in the same position.
“Everyone is really proud of us. We come from a small place (Widgee) in Gympie. We didn’t have much opportunity but had to make the most of it. Our parents are proud of us.
“Hopefully one day I can put the jersey on and run out with Tino. It will be a proud moment for us as brothers to achieve our dream.
“We have been wanting this since a young age. If I get the chance next year, hopefully I make the most of it.”
After some injury-plagued years, Iszac made his Hostplus Cup debut for Burleigh this year and will start the 2023 season with the Bears. “The Fa’asuamaleauis are great athletes,” Titans coach Justin Holbrook said.