'Back yourself': Simpkins inks new mantra under Hannay's leadership

Getting a tattoo in Bali may not always be one of the smartest ideas but for Titans forward Tuki Simpkins, it's been one of the best decisions he's made.

Spending the off-season abroad reflecting on his NRL career to date, the 24-year-old has only managed to notch up eight games after several seasons in the top grade, making two appearances in his first on the Gold Coast.

Lighting a fire in the belly for the new year ahead, it's why Simpkins made the decision to get a permanent reminder to help unlock his potential... inking 'back yourself' onto his bicep.

"In life I need to back myself and in footy I need to back myself," he said.

"I'll keep the story short but I've been around for a few years now and haven't had too many NRL games.

"I got it in the off-season when I went to Bali for a trip with my partner and wanted to back myself this year and I'll continue to keep doing that. 

"My goal after two games last year was to come back and fight for a spot in the team.

"I was pretty happy to play Round 1 and I want to keep building each week and get as many games as I can as well as keep learning."

Relinking with Josh Hannay whom he spent time under in a past life at the Cowboys, the new Titans coach has helped the mobile forward unlock new-found belief in his game, opening the door for more game time and season opener berth.

"I feel like he's helped me have confidence and has pushed me along the whole way," Simpkins said.

"I want to play for him. I'm happy to be playing for him and hope to do that all year.

"He's always backing me and that's really helped my game... it's awesome."