Moeaki Fotuaika may only have just turned 24, but the 121-gamer has embraced a new leadership role as one of the most experienced forwards in the Titans pack.
In what will be his seventh season on the Gold Coast - recently inking a new deal which will keep him at his debut club until at least 2027 - the reigning Paul Broughton Medallist has brought his off-field fatherly figure back to Parkwood after spending time following International duties with young son Malachi who is now four months old.
Now an established pre-season campaigner, Fotuaika has enjoyed being one of the elder statesmen to nurture the next generation of Titans talent coming through upon returning to training last week.
"It's definitely kept me on my toes having those young boys around me," he said.
"It reminds me of myself when I was younger and I know how they feel coming into a NRL system.
"It's good for myself as being in a leadership role, I can help them and give them tips that I've had coming up through the grades."
'I want to keep doing my best for the team': Fotuaika
Finishing arguably his career-best season with player of the year honours to culminate a year of success which also included a recall to the Origin arena, the Maroons star has a strong desire to keep his form line unchanged into 2024, especially with a new motivator on the sidelines.
"It's just about playing consistently good footy and sticking to my routine during the week," Fotuaika said.
"The mindset for me going into each game is wanting to do my best for the team and focussing on my job and my role. I know if I do that, it'll be a big help in us getting the two points.
"Obviously having my son, there's definitely a lot more motivation for myself to play well going into this year, so I think there's a bit of everything to keep growing."
Now a week into the Titans' new regime under Des Hasler, Fotuaika has relished the experienced mentor's coaching style, with his player interactions and attention to detail the forefront of his leadership.
"He's exactly what all the boys have been saying... he's really intense, but I think he has a good personal relationship with everyone and I think he really brings the best out of each player," he said.
"He knows how to do that... whether it's to give you a spray or give you a few tips, and he's really detailed with everything. I think that's what we need as a young team and what will really help most during the season.
"That's been the biggest difference - just the detail in everything we've been doing and it all plays a part in us getting the win."
