There's a steely look of determination in the eyes of David Fifita this pre-season.
The Titans backrower is fit and injury free and admits he is in a much better position that he was twelve months ago.
"I'm a step ahead," Fifita said.
"Last year I was coming off the injury and ankle surgery and I was in rehab for the first four weeks.
"To get a good fresh start and a full pre-season under my belt is great and I haven't had one of those for a while.
"To be with the bunch of boys now, it's my second year, it's good to have the relationships and the bonds built this year as we move on to next year."
Fifita lead the league in tackle breaks last season, while also setting a Titans record for tries scored (17 in 22 games).
The representative forward knows that there will always be chatter about his game, but he was quick to shut down any suggestion that he couldn't have an impact over 80 minutes when asked by a reporter.
Reporter: Can you be an 80 minute player?
Fifita: That's what pre-season is for, to get me fit.
Reporter: Yes, but do you reckon you can be?
Fifita: I am.
The exchange shows Fifita's mindset. He's ready to go.
His record breaking 2021 season came as he battled a rib cartilage injury over the closing rounds of the season.
"Rib cartilage is a pretty sore injury to have," he said.
"I did it against the Cowboys (round 21) and I had it for the last four or five weeks that we played.
"I had four needles every time just to numb it, but the staff helped me throughout the week and modified my training.
"I can't predict what will happen in the future, but that ongoing injury is gone now and the eight week break helped me."
Now fully fit, Fifita is confident that a full pre-season of uninterrupted training will have him ready to fire in 2022.
Still only 21-years-old, Fifita is part of a core young group of Titans that will represent the Coast over the coming seasons.
Despite boasting a host of young talent, Fifita says he's confident the Titans group has the right mix of players to be successful.
"We've got heaps of good young players coming up through the system and we've got a good young side but we've also got a good mix of older players.
"Everyone is gelling really well together and training hard and can't wait for the trial games coming up."
