While his Year 12 classmates count down to Schoolies, Fynn Laffranchi will be counting down to something else. His first pre-season as a Gold Coast Titan.
The young fullback starts with the club as a train-and-trial player in a couple of weeks, and speaking at the Titans All Schools touch launch this week, he said choosing training over celebrating with his mates was an easy call.
"I'll jump straight into pre-season. That's the sacrifice you've got to make if you want to chase your dreams," Laffranchi said.
"It was automatic. This is my dream, so I'm willing to sacrifice that (schoolies)."
The Palm Beach Currumbin rugby league product admits he has some nerves, but mostly he just wants to get started.
"I'm so excited, I can't wait." he said.
"It's obviously going to be hard, but I just can't wait to get in there, work hard, change my body and get fit.
"A bit of nerves, but that comes with it, I reckon."
The Laffranchi name is already well known at the Titans.
Fynn's father Anthony played for the club for several years.
Fynn said following in his footsteps would be a privilege, but he also wants to build his own name.
"That's all I've been dreaming of as a kid," he said.
"I want to follow my dad's footsteps, but also make a name for myself, not just be known as Anthony's son.
"Playing for the same club as my dad has always been a kid's dream."
Watching Jayden Campbell come through the Titans pathway to his NRL debut gave him extra motivation.
"Seeing him debut, he was one of my childhood favourite players," Laffranchi said.
"I see how hard he trains, and I just want to progress and do the same."
He named Titans fullback Keano Kini as a player he looks up to, and Kalyn Ponga as his favourite player growing up.
"I love how Keano works so hard and gets involved in the game," he said.
"Ponga's been my favourite player since I was young, so I'd love to make my debut and play with Keano and against Ponga."
First, though, there's a pre-season to get through, and Laffranchi wouldn't have it any other way.
