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Like father, like son: Famous surnames in Future Titans program

When the Future Titans ran out to feature in an NRL curtain raiser recently, fans and revellers at Cbus Super Stadium may have heard a few familiar surnames being called out around the grounds.

It wasn't because of any planned Old Boys day or a re-run of highlights... it was actually the sons of a number of former NRL greats who made a name on the big stage with illustrious careers in years gone by.

Two players who are active members of the Gold Coast's development program include Oscar Laffranchi - son of foundation Titan and current general manager of football Anthony - and Cooper Bai, who's father Marcus was a famous flyer for the Melbourne Storm.

Tall 16-year-old forward Laffranchi was excited to wear the jersey his father famously donned for 102 games in the recent Future Titans clash against the Northern Rivers.

"It is pretty special. It's a dream come true almost," Laffranchi said.

"Hopefully I can also put it on in the NRL one day, but I'll just keep doing what I'm doing."

Enjoying the growth of skills in the program, the youngster has enjoyed his time learning and wants to continue working hard to continually get better as a player.

"It's been pretty good. I only joined last year and I've already had plenty of improvement," Laffranchi said.

"I'm trying to work extremely hard to get better and better."

For Bai - who grew up watching his dad play 254 first grade games in the NRL and Super League - he's enjoyed being part of the club's pathways to continuing improving his game to become a complete player.

"I've found it really good. It's really helped me perfect my skills and help me get my strength and speed up," Bai said.

"It's really helped my game especially with the main theme around just running hard and tackling hard."

The Marymount College product is also looking forward to seeing Matt Geyer join the club, and although the former NRL great will be primarily working with the Coast's NRLW side, Bai is hoping his high school teacher will continue to guide him through his footy career.

"I really like Matt Geyer. He's really smart and he coaches us to fit the characteristics of our side," Bai said.

"He helps us win games with focusing on playing fast in the middle and then spreading out wide."

Fans will be treated to more Future Titans in action when Wavell SHS face off against Keebra Park in the Langer Trophy curtain-raiser at Cbus Super Stadium on July 16, before the mighty Macca's Local Derby against the Broncos.

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Acknowledgement of Country

Gold Coast Titans proudly acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout South East Queensland.