The Gold Coast Titans are pleased to have two of their stars in this year's 2023 Academic Team of the Year, which recognises the off-field educational achievements of NRL and NRLW players throughout the year.
The annual Academic Team of the Year – which incorporates current players from both the senior men's and women's competitions – helps to inspire and empower all rugby league players to further their education.
Moeaki Fotuaika and Kaitlyn Phillips have both been honoured for their commitment to off-field studies - Fotuaika currently enrolled in a Certificate IV in Youth Work and Family Intervention; whilst Phillips is now studying a Bachelor of Echocardiography and Cardiac Physiology after completing a Bachelor of Paramedicine.
Beginning his off-field education last season alongside teammate Phil Sami, Fotuaika believes it's made them better players and sets them up for success after footy.
"I started studying youth work in 2022 with Phil and it's been really good for us," the 121-game forward said.
"It’s helped both of us and it goes to show that when everything off the field is fine and you’re keeping your mind occupied, everything on the field will go well too.
"We’ll definitely be looking forward to completing those studies."
Titans NRLW coach Karyn Murphy describes Phillips as a quiet-achiever, who was also recently nominated for the NRL's Indigenous Leadership and Excellence Award.
"It’s amazing what Kaitlyn has achieved and totally deserves these accolades," she said.
"We wouldn’t know what she has achieved because she doesn’t share what she does and the immense success she has had off the field.
"This is amazing achievement, we value what she offers our team and she should be immensely proud."
