He only arrived mid-year but Keegan Hipgrave had one goal when he arrived, to make at least one appearance at NRL level and his dream came true in the final game of the season.
The 20-year-old started the season in the Broncos NYC side before signing with the Titans through until the end of 2018. After a few matches in the Titans NYC, the Nerang junior was elevated to Tweed in the Intrust Super Cup to gain some more experience. Hipgrave was then selected to make his NRL debut against the Roosters in Round 26.
"It was something I was striving for, for a long time," Hipgrave said. "My family came down to watch and they were really happy."
"The plan was to get into the Q-Cup, play against some bigger bodies and then I was fortunate enough to get a debut in that last game."
Moving back to where he grew up was an easy decision for Hipgrave as he just simply loves the Gold Coast.
"I just love it. It was an easy transition and I know a lot of the guys. It's awesome to be back on the Coast."
Hipgrave has had minor shoulder surgery in the off-season but is already looking forward to returning to training in preparation for 2018.
"My main goal is to get a crack in that 17 every week. I'll be looking to stick with the older crew and learning everything I can off them.
"I look up to those guys (Ryan James and Jarrod Wallace). I'll be clutching to them and hopefully I can put one on them."
The lock forward will be looking to work on all aspects of his game but has a few specifics he'd like to pin-point.
"I need to work on all the skills. Footwork and skills around the ball. If I can become that ball playing forward, that'd be good."
"I like the rubbish type work (in the middle). It's an ideal role for me."
