Seth Nikotemo’s summer has gone from strength to strength since his pre-season stint at Parkwood.
One of the top performers in the group of train-and-triallists who joined the Titans late last year, the skilful back-rower has just been named in the Queensland Under 19 emerging Origin squad alongside fellow Future Titans alumni Josiah Pahulu and Arama Hau.
All three were put through their paces in the last two months of 2022 to gain valuable experience in an NRL system, with Pahulu earning a contract to join the squad on a full-time basis after his impressive spell.
The experience also taught Nikotemo what it really takes to play in the top grade.
"The biggest thing I learnt was that you've got to be tough," he said.
"It's a big step from playing juniors and schoolboys and that's the number one thing I learnt during my pre-season... you've got to be tough to survive at NRL level.
As a Gold Coast junior growing up, the 18-year-old has been a staple of the club's pathways system over the past few years and is appreciative of his time with the Future Titans, which has taught him a lot, including the ability to grow his leadership capabilities.
"I've learnt a lot coming through the Future Titans program," Nikotemo said.
"I think the biggest thing is just being able to build my leadership. Just being a local kid that's from Parkwood and being able to train with heaps of boys from all over the Gold Coast, I think that's really helped my leadership on and off the field."
His immense growth during his time at Titans HQ didn't go unnoticed either, catching the eye of experienced forward Moeaki Fotuaika who had plenty of praise for the talented teen as a fellow Keebra Park product.
"I did see what Moe said and it meant a lot because when I first started high school, he was one of the seniors at school and was one of the top dogs," Nikotemo said.
"I always looked up to him, so that was extremely cool and really encouraging to hear those words from him."
Nikotemo's recent selection has allowed the youngster to edge closer to ticking off one of his 2023 goals - playing in the Under 19 Origin clash - with his primary focus now just training hard with Burleigh in the hope of getting to join the Titans on a full-time basis in the near future.
"My number one goal is to be in that NRL squad," he said.
"It was good to get seven weeks in before Christmas to learn and develop and I'm now back at Burleigh, training hard and will keep working hard to get better.
"I'm training with the Cup side at the moment, but I'll most likely play Under 21s this year... although a big goal of mine is to make my Cup debut this year."
The Titans trio will gather with the rest of the Queensland-based squad in Brisbane on Sunday to meet with Queensland Under 19 coach Matt Ballin, with the final 17 to be named at a later date to face New South Wales in the annual interstate clash.
