Moe Fotuaika is determined to earn back his Maroons jersey and has backed the new Titans engine room to help him do so in what is poised to be a record-breaking season for the experienced enforcer.
On the verge of history, now only 11 games short of becoming the most-capped Gold Coast player - a 12-year honour currently held by club legend Mark Minichiello with 173 appearances - the middle man is hoping to get back to playing his best footy upon reuniting with former Queensland assistant and new Titans coach Josh Hannay.
Fotuaika's declaration comes after making a frank assessment of his 2025 campaign, which saw him overlooked for the Maroons' series decider.
"It's always going to be disappointing when you miss out on Origin selection... that's definitely my goal to get back there," he said.
"For me personally, I know I wasn't at my best and I know what my best footy looks like.
"I don't want to look too far ahead. I just want to get my body and mind right and if I can get that right and play good footy here at the Titans, everything will take care of itself."
'We've got a lot of players to fill that space': Fotuaika
The 26-year-old and teammate Tino Fa'asuamaleaui will be key members of a different-looking forward pack with the loss of Jaimin Jolliffe to a season-ending knee injury.
A middle rotation that will also include Chris Randall and Klese Haas who have moved from the edge, the 163-gamer is backing the additions to the engine room, with full belief they'll be a perfect fit for the modern style of play.
"It was disappointing losing Jimmy. He's one of our established front rowers here at the Titans and is a big part of our pack, but we've got a lot of players to fill that space," Fotuaika said.
"We might be down on size but with the game now and how fast it is, the smaller players really fit into that style of footy.
"We've got Kurtis Morrin there who has joined the squad and Cooper Bai who had his first game last year.
"He's someone I'm really excited to play alongside if he gets the opportunity, so we have plenty of different options there."
With Minichiello's record in sight, anticipating to reach it in Round 12 should he play every game leading up to then, the accolade will be a fantastic achievement for a player who has always been a humble achiever since debuting in 2018.
Match: Sea Eagles v Titans
Round 12 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
away Team
Titans
Venue: 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
As he chases history, Fotuaika just wants to experience the same joy as the man he is about to surpass on the honour board.
"Going into my ninth season, I haven't had much success [in my time at the club]," he said.
"I really just want to bring success to this club and take it back to where it once was in the early years."
He is hoping that will happen with Hannay at the helm.
