CHANGE OF LATU-TUDE HAS LEILANI LOOKING UP
LEILANI Latu has revealed the pre-season promise he made to himself as he fights to reinvigorate his NRL career.
The 26-year-old arrived at the Gold Coast last preseason with big expectations on him, having built a reputation at Penrith as a powerful front-rower with a handy offload game.
Things have not gone to plan so far, with Latu making just six appearances for the Titans and spending much of his time in reserve grade, including in the 2019 early rounds.
The Indigenous All Stars representative has not lost hope, however. He was in regular talks with Titans coach Garth Brennan over the summer and has achieved at least one of the targets set for him – to bring his weight down to 110-112kg.
“All he ever says is just to try to do the one-percenters that fans don’t pick up on away from footy and he said if you can do those right, then you will get picked,” Latu said of his chats with the coach.
“So now for me, it’s just about trying to impress him and do those things.”
Latu described his 2018 campaign as a “rocky road” and admitted he had trouble dealing with being in and out of the top side.
“This year I have just come back with a stern focus to get back into that 17,” he said.
“I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t get down in the dumps if I don’t get picked.
“It’s just a matter of being more open; last year I was a bit more reserved and isolated myself a bit so this time around my mind is strong and willing. It’s ready.”
While the move north hasn’t produced regular NRL game time, Latu described the Coast as an ideal environment to raise his young son Lennox.
“He’s taken my full attention every time I leave training,” the one-time Tongan international said.
“I go to church as well with my wife. It’s a great place, I love it up here.
“I think my family and my wife’s family want to come up here (from Sydney) as well.”
Latu has been named on the Titans’ extended bench for Round 2 but if he misses the cut to face Cronulla at Shark Park, will line up for Tweed in their Intrust Super Cup derby against Burleigh.
That match is at Pizzey Park from 2pm on Sunday.