TITANS CAPTAIN: WE CAN CONTEND Tino talks up his team
He was voted the best young player NRL coaches want to build a team around, and Gold Coast captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is adamant the Titans’ emerging group of talent is ready to challenge for an elusive premiership.
“One hundred per cent. We have the team to do it and we have the forward pack to do it,” Fa’asuamaleaui said of the Titans’ 2024 title chances.
But which Queensland club is really home to the best crop of young talent?
Fa’asuamaleaui and backrower David Fifita, who both turn 24 before the season begins, lead a youth charge on the Gold Coast. Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo helped drive Brisbane to within a whisker of beating Penrith in last year’s grand final. Tom Dearden has signed on to carry North Queensland’s hopes for the remainder of the decade. And the Dolphins have Maroons Origin star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow underpinning their second season in the NRL.
However, Fa’asuamaleaui believes the Titans are building towards not only return to the finals, but establishing themselves as genuine contenders.
“It’s probably the best preseason I have been a part of, the boys are ripping in and competing,” he said.
“We are creating an identity but we have to put the actions in. When it comes to games is when we need to really step up.”
In a huge boost for the Titans ahead of their season opener against St George Illawarra on March 9, Fa’asuamaleaui revealed Fifita was on track to make his return from a pectoral injury.
“Yeah, hopefully. He’s a special player. If we want to win then he’s the player to do stuff, something special,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.
“He’s tracking well and started to do some running. It’s exciting. He’s been locked up in rehab so it’s good to see he is out here running. He’s got a smile on his face.”