Winning his second consecutive Paul Broughton Medal on Thursday night, a small but significant gesture is why Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has really treasured being the player of the year this time around.
Last season being honoured with the top gong, the Titans captain was forced to accept the award via a Zoom call - due to the NRL's COVID Apollo Protocols and the team preparing to play in the elimination semi-final.
Fast forward to this year and with the health measures much more relaxed, the honour to accept the award from the 'godfather of Gold Coast Rugby League' in the flesh and celebrate with the community is what makes going back-to-back even more special for the 22-year-old.
"It was a huge honour to shake Paul's hand. Last year, I had to do it over a Zoom call," Fa'asuamaleaui said.
"It was an honour to be able to receive it from him and hear his kind words and it just makes me motivated for next year to keep playing good football and then hopefully be in the same situation next year.
"It also means a lot to be in front of the community. It's so big and so proud of us and I know we haven't delivered this year, but there's definitely signs that we can take from this year and make sure we go again next year.
"They're a big part of this club and I just want to win and make sure I do that for them."
Despite a majority of members and fans having their inspirational leader on the top of their list to receive the club's top award, the humble middle forward wasn't expecting to become the second Titan to win back-to-back awards after fellow front rower and captain Luke Bailey achieved the feat in 2010/11.
"It was a huge surprise to receive this award. I thought Beauy Fermor, JC and AJ Brimson especially really stood up this year," Fa'asuamaleaui said.
"I really thought AJ was going to get it and that's why I said I wasn't nervous when receiving the award because I didn't really think I was going get it, so to be able to go up and shake Paul's hand and be able to receive that award was massive for me."
Fa'asuamaleaui will finish the week in action for the Prime Minister's XIII against Papua New Guinea, hoping a good performance will secure a ticket on the plane to the United Kingdom as part of the Kangaroos.
"The week in camp has been good and it means so much. It's set me up well for this weekend and hopefully after too," he said.
"I'm hoping to have a big game so I can be over in England with some of the big dogs over there."
