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'Confident' De Groot eager to push for more NRL after Knights taste test

Young gun No. 1 Jaylan De Groot has his target on more game time in the NRL in 2025 after an impressive introduction against the Newcastle Knights last season.

After two previous stints as 18th man, the 22-year-old officially became Titan #192 in Round 26 and wasted no time making his mark, delivering a debut performance that justified the faith placed in him by Titans coach Des Hasler.

Recently revealed to have clocked the second-fastest speed in the NRL in 2024 during his debut match, De Groot reached 37.2km/h on the radar gun, ranking just behind Manly flyer Jason Saab.

The winger has his sights set higher in 2025, aiming to build on his first taste of top grade rugby league.

De Groot scores on debut

"The debut at the end of last year was an awesome experience," he said.

"It has helped me come into this year a lot more confident and ready to reset and go again.

"I got a really decent stint playing Hostplus Cup but [the NRL experience] has taught me that you need to get your body right and be physically and mentally right to go out there every week [and play NRL].

"That’s what I’ve brought into this pre-season, coming in every day ready to go so hopefully I can get a few more games in this year."

Whilst he is behind incumbent Keano Kini, De Groot admires the Paul Broughton medallist for his relentless energy and work ethic, using it as motivation to elevate his own game.

"K has been unreal and the way he plays, there’s not many people who play like him," he said.

"Just his effort, enthusiasm and energy... he’s everywhere and the things I take away from his game are always putting his best foot forward.

"No matter how sore he is or how tired he is, he keeps rolling into work and is always there.

"He’s just one of those players."

Now deep into pre-season and with a trip to Toowoomba to face the Broncos in their first trial just around the corner, the promising rookie is relishing the strengthened team connection and believes the squad is fully aligned in its pursuit of premiership success.

"It’s been good and I feel like we’re a lot tighter this year," he said.

"Even with the new boys coming in, I feel like everyone has bought into what we’re going for here, which is to win a premiership."

Acknowledgement of Country

Gold Coast Titans proudly acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout South East Queensland.