Jojo Fifita has returned to Titans HQ with extra motivation for this Saturday's derby against the Broncos following his lifelong dream playing State of Origin, but he has revealed his experience wasn't what he was expecting.
Joining skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui as the club's two Queensland representatives who return for the road trip to Brisbane, the 23-year-old admitted his nervousness for day one in Camp Maroon.
But the debutant was shocked at how quickly it took for him to feel at ease being among some of the game's greatest players, who welcomed him into the environment with open arms.
"It probably wasn't what I was expecting," Fifita revealed.
"I was a bit scared going into the first day of camp because you've obviously got all the big names there... you walk in and you're the little dog.
"We had a good Monday, we had a little bonding session and then by the end of Monday, the rest of the camp was all good and everyone was comfortable with each other.
"The game [itself] was definitely quick. Just the environment and all the energy from the boys and the crowd gave me the extra push in the game.
"It was something I'll never forget."
Whilst hungry to return for Game II on Wednesday week and level the series, the Titans centre returns to clubland this week with added energy to take down the Broncos - Josh Hannay hoping he and Fa'asuamaleaui can bring their knowledge and experience from camp to help notch up the much-needed win.
"[Josh] is glad to have Tino and me back. He now just wants us to bring back what we got out of camp to the team and just go hard this week.
"We've got the Broncos, it's going to be a big game this week on Saturday night.
"We've just got to go out there and play our best and stick to the basics and the fundamentals. Minimising the little errors and the connection on field is what is going to get us over the line.
"Starting fast is going to be a big help for us and keeping the errors to a minimum."
Match: Broncos v Titans
Round 14 -
home Team
Broncos
11th Position
away Team
Titans
16th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Whilst Fifita's side has shown much improvement in 2026 - especially defensively currently eighth in the competition for least points conceded - the 68-gamer knows they need to start converting those bettered performances into points.
"Winning definitely does help," he said.
"At the club, we see that we're getting better every week and improving on the little things week-in, week-out. The coaching staff are seeing that too, but I can understand it's hard for the fans to see that when we're not getting the results.
"Once we start getting the results, I think the whole community will be behind us as well."
