Jojo Fifita has got Origin aspirations on his mind and is hoping a former Maroons coach will get him there.
As he prepares to face off against incumbent Queensland centre Gehamat Shibasaki in Saturday night derby against the Broncos, the 23-year-old has credited the clarity and insight new Titans coach Josh Hannay has given him to help perfect his craft in the outside backs.
Hannay - who served as Billy Slater's assistant from 2022-2025 - played a majority of his 150+ game NRL career in the centres and hasn't been afraid to pass that knowledge onto the likes of Fifita who has grown in confidence upon being a cemented part of Gold Coast's right edge.
"I've worked with Josh pretty closely through the pre-season and he's given me all the ins and outs and advice that some of my other previous coaches haven't given me or not known because he played centre [in his career]," he said.
"We have that connection and I'm starting to feel more and more confident, especially with my defence. Once we get our attack down pat, it'll be good."
'Our confidence and game is evolving': Fifita
Getting a taste of the representative arena training with the Maroons last year, Fifita has previously played junior Under 19s Origin but wants to be part of the real deal into the future, as well as the World Cup at season's end - eligible for either New Zealand or Tonga.
But his full focus is currently on the Titans with such a crucial clash ahead of him against their M1 rivals
"[Origin] is definitely a goal, especially with the [eligibility] rule change," Fifita said.
"[The World Cup] is also a long way away. I'd love to play in it.
"It'd be an awesome experience and I've spoken to some of the boys that have played and they say the camps and the cultrures are nothing like you've ever been a part of before.
"I haven't thought of [rep footy] much yet though, I'm just trying to focus on the Titans at the moment."
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 5 -
home Team
Titans
16th Position
away Team
Broncos
10th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Excited by the full house that is expected for the sold-out clash, Fifita and his teammates are eyeing off the defending premiers to register back-to-back wins at home after slaying the Dragons last Sunday.
"They're starting to find their form, but we're starting to get better every week too," he said.
"It's always a tough game against the Broncos, but it's a home game for us on Saturday night. The boys always get up for it and it's going to be good to see a full stadium on Saturday.
"It's always a good game between us so it's going to be a gritty one.
"I think the boys are looking forward to the game... I'm definitely excited."
