Toby Sexton isn't in a rush.
The 20-year-old knows he could hold his own if selected for an NRL debut, but he says at the moment he is happy playing student and learning his craft.
Making his Intrust Super Cup debut for the Tweed Seagulls this year, Sexton has re-signed with the Titans on a deal that will see him remain on the Gold Coast until the end of the 2024 season.
"It (the contract extension) probably gives me added confidence given that I still haven't' played my first first grade game," Sexton said.
Despite watching some high profile team-mates from the 2019 Australian Schoolboys side make their NRL debuts this season, Sexton says patience is the key as he pushes for a first grade start.
"I am not trying to look too far ahead," he said.
"I see my mates playing first grade like Reecey Walsh and Sam Walker and they are killing it.
"But I have got to look at it long term. Short term I think it has affected some young blokes who have come up but Q-Cup has been a really good competition for me to grow as an individual and play against men on a week to week basis.
"If the opportunity came about I would put my hand up and be confident to play but I have to take it one step at a time."
Titans team-mate Corey Thompson says he has no doubt that Sexton will be ready for the rigours of NRL competition when he eventually does get picked.
"He probably thinks he is ready for first grade and would do the job if called up but credit to him he is biding his time and is learning every day," Thompson said.
"You can see at training when we play the reserve-grade boys Toby is controlling them - his kicking game is unbelievable.
"When his time comes he will be ready for first grade and I am sure he won't let go of that jersey."
In the meantime, Sexton says the lure of an NRL debut isn't a distraction as he focusses on guiding the Tweed Seagulls into an Intrust Super Cup finals campaign.
"Playing against men on a week to week basis is definitely a challenge and I find it pretty easy just to keep my focus pretty narrow and focus on Tweed (Seagulls) each week."