Arama Hau is determined to prove himself for the Gold Coast Titans, as he returns to the starting lineup for their clash against the Manly Sea Eagles in Sydney this Saturday night.
Following a slew of strong performances to open the season, the rising forward’s redemption round comes after a self-admitted lacklustre performance against a more experienced Raiders side in Round 9.
Titans coach Josh Hannay has however backed the former Australian schoolboy, who will form part of the Gold Coast’s forward pack through to 2028, following his contract extension announced last week.
Encouraging the young firebrand to focus on the job at hand to ensure the 21-year-old rises to the occasion this weekend.
“I had Josh come speak to me and he said, don't look too far ahead, just focus on this week, focus on your job,’ Hau said.
“I obviously didn’t have the best game against Canberra, so I just want to make sure I get out there, do my job, and just try and find my form again.
“I feel like I started the year pretty well, so I’m just trying to get back to that form and just do my job, run hard and defend well.”
Hau joins Cooper Bai and Beau Fermor in the starting pack, while forward leader Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will miss the match as he prepares to pull on Maroon of Queensland for the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday.
The Gold Coast product expressed his excitement for long-time teammate Jojo Fifita who will make his State of Origin debut in the same game and also miss the Titans grudge match.
“We sort of came through the grades together – he was a bit older than me, but to see him get a crack in Origin, I think he deserves it,” he said.
“He’s had a really good year, so I’ll miss him, but I’m really happy for him.”
Hau said he anticipates a strong contest against the Sea Eagles who also have key players unavailable due to Origin commitments.
“Everyone’s seen what Manly’s doing at the moment,” he said.
“They’re a pretty good team, so I think we’re just focusing on us.
“They’ll be without [Haumole] Olakau’atu and [Tolu] Koula this weekend.
“It will be a good challenge for us.”
Kick-off is at 7.35pm on Saturday at 4 Pines Park, Sydney.
