There could only be one winner for the Titans' Coolangatta Challenge and that was Team Fifita, coming from the back of the pack to claim victory in emphatic fashion.
Taking to the beach on the southern end of the Gold Coast on Saturday morning, there was plenty of healthy competition, banter and fun between the playing squad, who were split into six teams and put through their paces in an enjoyable team bonding session in the final days of pre-season.
Completing a number of stations including strength, wrestling, game simulation and passing drills and a highly-anticipated tug-of-war challenge; six forwards were given the honour of the 'c' next to their names for the day.
Moeaki Fotuaika, Jaimin Jolliffe, Jacob Alick, Joe Vuna and Joe Stimson all took charge alongside David Fifita, who ended up trumps as the triumphant skipper of the day.
Joining Brian Kelly, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Vaka Sikahele and Creedence Toia to make up the winning quintet; the barnstorming back-rower paid credit to his teammates for the strong finish to take top honours.
"It's been really good with all the boys coming down here to Coolangatta for the early morning session. After we were all put into groups, it feels so good to be the winning team after such a strong finish," Fifita said.
"Full credit to the boys... Vaka, Lofi, Creedence and Brian. We came home well after a slow start, but it was good we hung in there and got the victory, especially with the tug-of-war.
"It's been a great morning and it's good to be here on the beach."
Throughout the session, it was clear from the get-go his team's captaincy role wasn't just a namesake either, with the 87-gamer clearly leading the way as one of the most vocal among the group.
This has also been the case in his first week back at Titans HQ, relishing his return to Parkwood after his first World Cup campaign representing Tonga.
"I've been back for a week now and it's just really good to be back with the boys and at training," Fifita said.
"We've got our training camp next week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and I'm just really looking forward to the camp and getting our final session in before resting the body.
"Then, it'll be back to training and getting my prep right for a big year next year."
In readiness for 2023, Fifita is looking to draw on his recent International experience to have a big NRL season ahead, getting the chance to honour his family playing for the Mate Ma'a.
"I was really, really proud to represent my Tongan heritage on my father's side and all my father's brothers and sisters," he said.
"We had a good group over there. There were some good older heads and hopefully I'll get that opportunity again.
"I got to room up with Moeaki (Fotuaika) and was with him... we had some great times over there and the other boys and it was a great experience that I can lean on."
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