Jaimin Jolliffe's first pre-season at the Titans was about securing a spot as he arrived on a train and trial contract.
12 months later, it was about establishing himself as part of the 17 and building on his rookie season.
Now into pre-season number three on the Gold Coast, Jolliffe says he feels more prepared than ever to tackle the NRL season ahead.
"I feel like a real member of this squad now," Jolliffe said.
"I feel like I'm one of the older guys here now.
"I've had a few pre-seasons now and I've got that experience and there is a lot of young boys there so I'll try and encourage them and push them through it.
"I'll just enjoy it and do my best.
"I feel really good, I'm excited to be back and I'm ready to hook in with the boys.
"I just can't wait to get back playing actually.
"Everyone had come back really fit and strong so we are off to a head start but now it's pre-season and you've just got to do your best and try and cancel out the head noise."
Jolliffe and front row partner Jarrod Wallace were the only two Titans to play all 25-games last season.
The 25-year-old says that doesn't give him any advantages heading in to a pre-season, but his body is ready for the rigours of the months to come.
"I probably needed a few more weeks to rest up in the off-season (after playing every game)," he said.
"I did a bit of training in the off-season to make sure I wasn't far behind.
"The body feels really good now, the time off was good and it was needed and I can't wait to start playing."
While impressed with how the full squad has returned, Jolliffe says there are a couple of early standouts.
"Phil Sami has come back really fit and has done a lot of work in the off-season," Jolliffe said.
"Beau (Fermor) is always impressive, he is very strong and very fit.
"Overall I think the squad is in very good shape, it means you don't have to spend as much time catching up.
"We are ready to roll into the footy stuff and hook in.
"We're building nicely towards the season."
