It's tools down on the job site for young gun Sunny Kama, with the Future Titans graduate embracing the chance to step away from carpentry and fully commit to building his NRL dream.
Elevated from the club's Future Titans program to join the NRL squad on a full-time train and trial contract, the 19-year-old returns to Parkwood after spending time with the Titans during last year’s pre-season.
This time, the Queensland Under 19s representative will be part of the full-season program, continuing his development under head coach Josh Hannay.
"I remember my first pre-season, I didn't sleep much the night before but I felt less nervous coming back this time," Kama told titans.com.au.
"I was nervous for a different coach but I've been able to settle in nicer this year.
"He (Hannay) spends a lot of one on one time with each of us and really gets to know us personally, what our strengths are and what we need to work on.
"Last year was a tough pre-season and this one has definitely been the same, but getting to spend more time with the boys has made it less intimidating.
"All the senior players are really valuable to be around and I've learnt so much from them.
"AJ [Brimson] and Phil [Sami] are two players that have a lot of knowledge which they're happy to share with us young boys."
After juggling long days on the tools with afternoon training sessions for the Titans U20s program, the dynamic centre is embracing the opportunity to turn his full attention to the field.
"The training feels a lot better this time around because last year I was working during the day and then heading straight into U20s training at night," Kama said.
"Doing carpentry for 10-hour shifts then going straight into conditioning and weights in the afternoon was tough, so it's better now that I can be with the squad full-time and focus all my energy on footy."
After earning a call-up for last year’s trial match against the Broncos, the pathways prospect is focused on building momentum as he targets further opportunities in the Titans’ upcoming fixtures against the Dolphins or Storm.
"That was one of my goals for 2025 and to tick it off felt like I'm progressing which is always a good feeling," Kama said.
"It was an incredible experience and really fast paced, so hopefully I'm healthy and available to be picked for the upcoming trials because I feel like I'm ready this time."
