Tino still in picture at Storm

DOCTORED images of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui in “Lamborghinis” and “mansions” are being circulated by Melbourne Storm stars to steel the future Gold Coast Titan for Friday night’s clash.

The Titans were able to poach Fa’asuamaleaui in the off-season with an offer too good to refuse, a three-year deal worth an estimated $2 million, to claim the 20-yearold athletic specimen from 2021.

Storm prop Nelson AsofaSolomona revealed the lighthearted ribbing of Fa’asuamaleaui (pictured).

“The boys have been giving it to him a bit,” Asofa-Solomona said.

“Like sending him photos of him living in a mansion and leaning on Lamborghinis and that.

“Just cropping his face on stuff, geeing him up and having a good time with

(what) he’s going through this week playing against his future team.”

Billed as one of the game’s most exciting talents, Fa’asuamaleaui has lived up to the hype, averaging 12 runs and 106m across the first nine matches, predominantly as an impact player off the bench.

He slotted into the starting line-up last week, replacing Origin back-rower Felise Kaufusi (knee).

Asofa-Solomona said Fa’asuamaleaui would channel any possible distractions the right way.

“He probably wants to show the Titans what he’s got, I guess, so I think he might have a great game like he’s been playing the last few weeks,” he said.

Storm remains unbeaten since the forced Sunshine Coast relocation, but it has come at a cost, with up to seven stars ruled out or in doubt for this week.

Co-vice-captain and forward Jesse Bromwich will miss up to four weeks with a medial ligament strain. Cameron Munster (knee) and Kaufusi must get through training this week to be considered.