He's already a NRL premiership-winning State of Origin representative, but Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is an early convert to Justin Holbrook's Gold Coast revolution.
The Titans signed the then-teenage prospect in late 2019 on a three-year deal from 2021 onwards.
Just over a year on, the fortunes of both Fa'asuamaleaui and the Titans have taken a sharp upward turn.
The athletic and skilful backrower was a key part of Melbourne's grand-final winning team and then played a leading hand in Queensland's State of Origin series win.
Gold Coast meanwhile showed massive improvement in coach Holbrook's first season at the perennial underachievers, winning five games in a row at the back end of the year to narrowly miss out on finals.
Having been with his new club since the start of the year, Fa'asuamaleaui says there's no regrets about deciding to commit to the Titans so early in Holbrook's reign.
"It's been exactly what I thought it would be," Fa'asuamaleaui said.
"All the boys improving and wanting to learn and all want to better the club.
"I'm on the same page as them fellas and yeah I just can't wait for more and to start playing."
Premiership rings are rare property in the Titans squad. Fa'asuamaleaui and another ex-Storm player, Kevin Proctor, are the only players to have won an NRL grand final in the club's 2021 roster.
It's a stat that the 21-year-old doesn't believe will be true for much longer however.
"We can do it no matter what, just as long as we work hard," Fa'asuamaleaui said.
"Hopefully one day we can bring a premiership here for the boys and for the town too.
"That's obviously a goal of mine, that's the goal of the other boys too, which is good.
"I just can't wait to start playing and hopefully we do get there."
Australian Associated Press
