Last word: Tino is the best man to lead us for a very long time
At the ripe old age of 22, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has been a very impressive leader in his first year as captain of the Titans.
Destined to be the long-term skipper of the Gold Coast as he continues growing into the role, and despite some outside noise about how the young leader is fairing, coach Justin Holbrook feels he is easily the best man for the job.
"Tino's a great leader and the way he plays... he's all actions and he does it everyday at training as well," Holbrook said.
"He's definitely the best captain for this club and will be for a long time.
"If we get everyone else playing the way he does, we'll be winning every week. What he brings is fantastic."
The club mentor also was quick to dismiss any speculation the Queensland enforcer's Origin spot was in doubt, suggesting another question should be posed around his selection.
"I wasn't aware of [the speculation], but Tino's definitely getting picked. I don't think there'd be any doubt in him playing Origin," Holbrook said.
"It's just a matter of when he's going to be the captain of Queensland. I think that's the question they'll be asking, not if they're going to pick him or not."
Ahead of the Maroons squad being announced on Monday, the Macca's local derby will be on the forefront of Fa'asuamaleaui's mind, with another matchup against fellow firebrand Payne Haas looming before the pair will likely face off in Sydney on June 8.
"They're both terrific players. Payne is fantastic and so is Tino, so you got to be great," Holbrook said.
"It'll be great for the game to see those two for their respective teams."
The Titans have also been bolstered by the return of David Fifita, being given the green light to get back on the field after being hampered by an MCL injury.
The former Bronco was one of the Gold Coast's best in both derby clashes last year and it's expected that will be no different with the first rivalry of the new season, regardless of the fact he's coming back from injury.
"Coming for his first game back from injury, he's probably not going to be 100 percent, but he's definitely right to play and there's no chance of a risk of injury. We're making sure that he's right, otherwise we wouldn't play him," Holbrook said.
"I'm expecting a big impact from him. He's a great player, an important member of our team and we've missed not having him play the last few weeks."
Match: Broncos v Titans
Round 12 -
home Team
Broncos
4th Position
away Team
Titans
14th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Travelling home with the two points in the Round 12 clash isn't just important for the bragging rights in the local derby, but also to help kick-start the Titans' season to begin the progression back up the ladder.
"We have to [make a statement]. Obviously, where we sit first and foremost. We've got to get some wins on the board and it's great opportunity for us to be able to go out there and start tonight," Holbrook said.
"They're in terrific form and they're playing great and it's up to us to do that ourselves.
"We've got to get a move on here and we've got a great opportunity tonight to make that happen.
"Everyone knows that our two biggest games are against the Broncos.
"We always want to beat them and they want to beat us, so regardless of who's flying and who's not flying on the table, it's always going to be a difficult and tough game and one that we look forward to.
"It's a great opportunity for us to get a win over our close rivals."
