Across six seasons in the NRL and 93 games, Herman Ese'ese had established himself as a one of the games tough middle forwards.
Ahead of his first season with the Titans, the 26-year-old gives you an insight into his life off-field.
What did your journey to the NRL involve?
I was born and raised in East Auckland and I played for a club called Mangere East Hawks which was in South Auckland. That was back in 2009 and then we had a tour in Brisbane and we played against Wavell State High School and I was lucky enough to get a scholarship there. I attended Wavell State High School in Brisbane for two years and then I got picked up by the Bulldogs from a schoolboys carnival. From the Bulldogs I went to the Broncos and then the Knights and now I'm here.
What team did you support growing up?
Growing up I definitely supported the New Zealand Warriors. Steve Price was my favourite player obviously being a front rower and a middle forward and he played for Queensland as well and I was a Queensland supporter when I was a little kid. I think every kid who played rugby league in New Zealand grew up watching the New Zealand Warriors.
Apart from Steve Price, were there any Kiwi players who you looked up to?
My uncle is Ali Lauiti'iti, he played for the Warriors and then he went over to the Super League at a young age so I grew up watching him.
Where did you choose to live on the Gold Coast now you've made the move?
I'm currently living in Southport, that's me and my partner and my dog.
Your dog features a lot on your social media, tell us about him...
He is a bit of a handful. His name is River. He is three years old. He's an English Staffy.
Outside of training, what are you watching at the moment?
I'm not watching any TV show at the moment. I'm actually watching Twilight the Saga and I'm up to the second one which is New Moon so that's going good.
What about music, what's on your playlist?
I'm easy, just whatever sounds good to me. I listen to a bit of country, hip hop, R&B, old school, so I've got a pretty mixed playlist.
Footy to finish, what are your personal goals for 2021?
First and foremost to have a good pre-season under my belt to get a spot in the starting team or the 17, but then it is just to play good consistent footy and put my best foot forward.
