Veteran playmaker Kieran Foran may have called time on his illustrious playing career with the Titans, but there's no doubt he's been keeping a watchful eye on his former club given the family connection that wants to follow in his footsteps.
A new face from the 318-game star's family has joined Gold Coast's squad this pre-season, with Kieran's stepson Phoenix Steinwede given a chance to earn a NRL contract with a train-and-trial opportunity following a promising 2025 with the Tweed Seagulls.
"I think this is a huge chance for my own personal development, being able to learn off a lot of these experienced boys that are part of the Titans squad," Steinwede told titans.com.au.
"I've really enjoyed my time up here and there's an exciting opportunity to create a new start for myself with my footy."
It was a wretched first season for the 23-year-old in the Hostplus Cup due to injury, sidelined after a stellar beginning to his Queensland journey, making the switch from the Roosters to not only reinvigorate his rugby league career but be closer to family.
But despite only playing six games, Steinwede felt his first season at Piggabeen was a defining one under Dave Penna, eager to further improve on the foundations he cemented on and off the field.
"I think it was a good building year for myself," he said.
"I met a lot of new boys, so that allowed me to build a lot of new relations through the year.
"Unfortunately, I got injured and spent half the year out, but I think the work I did around the club really built a standpoint for myself.
"I'm excited to keep building on it."
With still a number of spots remaining on the Titans roster, the hard-running edge forward is working towards a spot in Josh Hannay's squad for 2026, leaning on newly-extended Titan and Origin representative Beau Fermor for tips and further development in the position.
"My time here is about looking at these senior boys that I'm able to come here and learn off and as a back-rower, I really want to watch Beau and see what he does at training
"Even the senior middles here and being able to learn off them and build off their game will be hugely valuable."
His stepdad may be coaching with the Sea Eagles now, but Steinwede has kept in constant touch with him throughout the first month at the Titans.
But, there's been no empathy from Foz when it comes to the rigours of pre-season preparation, having been front and centre of 17 of them across his career.
"He's been in my ear a fair bit," Steinwede said with a big grin.
"He actually texted me on day one saying... 'I'm glad I'm not you today, son'."
