There were many smiles at Gold Coast University Hospital as the Titans kickstarted year two of their Beyond the Game program with the full NRL squad visiting patients and staff on Monday.
The initiative has been a regular opportunity for players to give back alongside Gold Coast Health's spiritual care services team in an effort to not only lift the morale of those currently unwell but gain a better perspective of living out their NRL dream.
Led by Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and the club's senior player group since the start of 2025, the Titans skipper is proud to be continuing the program again this season.
"The Beyond the Game program is an opportunity for us players to get away from the training facility and do something different than just football," Fa'asuamaleaui said.
"It started off in a cafe last year with a few of us older boys in the group talking about things we can do beyond the game and visiting the hospital popped up in that conversation.
"Our NRL wellbeing officer Tommy [Vieyra] had a connection to this place through the spiritual care services team and it worked out nicely for us to come here starting last year, being much more than just footy players and getting a different point of view of life.
"You can get caught up with football too much and forget about all the other things in life, especially with what other people are going through. To be able to come here as a whole squad again has been great and it's fantastic to see so many smiling faces."
The entire squad created a buzz among the GCUH wards in their first visit of 2026, with further regular outings planned across the season.
"I'm so grateful this program allows us to do this more often," Fa'asuamaleaui said.
"There's always plenty of emotion each visit and it truly humbles you.
"You can sometimes take for granted being so fit and healthy and at times at training, you think you're getting flogged and question if you can keep going but when you come here and meet people who can't do that... it's a real eye opener.
"It's also great to meet and see all the doctors, nurses and support staff who are doing so much for this hospital and full credit to them. I can only imagine how hard it can be at times, but you walk up there and they're all smiling, happy and continuously caring for all the patients."
"We're trying to build a culture and a big element Josh [Hannay] always drives is our connection to our community.
"For him and the whole club to support us has been amazing and our visits have really allowed us to get a better understanding of the people we are playing for."
Titans rookie Cooper Bai has been a regular to GCUH as part of the Beyond the Game program, having not missed a visit since its inception due to how valuable he views it.
"As much as it helps the patients, it also helps me as a person to give back and I really enjoy it," he said.
"It humbles me and keeps me grounded throughout the season.
"I love to have really good conversations with people where you're not having to think about footy 24/7. You're able to connect with people face to face and talk to them personally about everyday life.
"The most important part of being a NRL player is giving back to the community. That's what its all for and it really means a lot.
"This is our community, so being able to help everyone here and make everyone have a better day, that's the most important part."
