Chris McQueen says he's enjoying the challenge of a new pre-season as he looks to begin 2017 in the same form that earned him six origin caps for the Maroons.
McQueen returned to training with the rest of the Titans squad last week after a refreshing break over the off-season.
"Had about six or seven weeks, so managed to get out of town, went overseas for a couple of weeks so it was good to step away from footy and mentally relax and refresh," the 29-year old said.
He says pre-season hasn't gotten any easier after eight years in the top grade.
"It's always tough that first week, blowing out the cobwebs but all the boys are ripping in and looking pretty good considering it's the first week and the first couple of days," McQueen told Titans TV.
"Bodies feeling pretty good considering, so it's only going to get better."
McQueen has praised the efforts of the squad's younger players over the opening few days of pre-season, as they look to establish themselves in the NRL in 2017.
"Obviously got a new squad, we've got some young guys there that sort of want to make a mark here in first grade.
"We do still have that mix of senior players, so I think it's going to be good.
"All the boys are here for the same reason, we want to be competitive, we want to play good footy and we want to win.
"We've still got a bit of work to do between now and the season but we've got plenty of time to work on that.
McQueen, who played in all 25 matches of the Titans in 2016, sayds he is looking forward to stepping into a more senior role with the side next season.
"Obviously we lost quite a few of our leaders and some of our senior players at the end of last season, so for me it's probably just that leadership both on and off the field because I am one of the senior players, one of the oldest players here now.
"So for me the goal is to be that senior player and help the younger guys to adjust and learn our system and really fit in."