It'll be an almighty battle of the big boys at Shark Park this Saturday with Tongan teammates putting their international allegiance aside for their club colours in the NRL season opener.
Experienced enforcer Moeaki Fotuaika is expecting Cronulla's engine room to be firing on all cylinders in the showdown, led by Addin Fonua-Blake who the Titans prop knows well given the respect the pair have for each other after representing their heritage together on the world stage.
Complimented by a raft of other quality players up front, they're a threat Gold Coast's big men have identified to neutralise in this weekend's showdown.
"When I look at their forward pack, they've got power, they've got size and they've got skill as well," Fotuaika said.
"Us as a forward pack, I know we have to do a good job on them. We'll focus on them later in the week but for now, it's about our roles and what we can do well against them."
'We have to do a good job on them': Fotuaika
On the verge of becoming the Titans' most capped player, the 26-year-old was a standout across the Pre-Season Challenge after setting himself a goal to return to his best which has seen him claim two Paul Broughton Medals across eight seasons on the Gold Coast.
Fotuaika also hopes it will see him return to the Origin arena after missing Game III last year, and a starting spot for Tonga for the upcoming World Cup at season's end.
"I want to get back to my standard of footy," he declared.
"My last two seasons I feel haven't been up to my standard. It hasn't been disappointing, but I feel it was average for myself.
"For me this season, I really want to get back to my standard of footy.
"I know what that looks like and I know what I have to do to get there."
Match: Sharks v Titans
Round 1 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Titans
Venue: Ocean Protect Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Josh Hannay has helped that, bringing a new energy and philosophy to the squad and the 163-gamer is confident they can back-up their good trial form when they travel to Sydney to face the new Titans coach's old side in Round 1.
"It's more the style of footy Josh wants us to play [that will help me and our team get back to our best]," Fotuaika said.
"He knows what he wants from us forwards especially... it's pretty simple.
"The season starts for us this Saturday and I'm looking forward to going and playing our footy and am really confident in that."
