Phillip storms Titans line-up

PHILLIP Sami is the young gun who turned down the Melbourne Storm for the Gold Coast Titans.

Sami is expected to today be named on the wing for the Gold Coast’s NRL season opener against Canberra at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday.

The Ipswich product made his NRL debut for the Titans last year, playing four matches under former coach Neil Henry.

But the 20-year-old has impressed new coach Garth Brennan so much that he is set to become an NRL regular in 2018.

Brennan extended Sami’s contract until the end of 2020 shortly after arriving on the Gold Coast and running his eye over the Titans squad.

But Sami could have so easily been playing for the powerhouse Storm if he was keen to move to Melbourne.

“I got scouted from Mal Meninga Cup (under-18) games playing for Easts Tigers,” he said.

“I got an offer from the Storm but I chose to come here. I wanted to be closer to family, that’s the only reason.

“They (Storm) are (a successful club) but I wanted to come here. I saw more of an opportunity here because the Storm have good depth. “I’m glad I came here.” Sami is part of the next generation of Titans that Brennan is hoping will make the Gold Coast an NRL premiership contender.

After getting a taste of the NRL last year, Sami now wants to become a regular fixture.

“It was a goal of mine to play NRL last year,” he said.

“I was thankful to play four games. Hopefully I can rack a few more up this year.

“I’ve done everything I can (to get a spot).”