By his own admission, Sam McIntyre isn't the flashiest forward going around.
But if you're looking for someone who is consistently willing to roll up the sleeves, put in 110 percent and work hard every day to be the best player possible... he's your man.
It's this quality that's impressed Justin Holbrook and the Titans the most, extending the 23-year-old's contract until the end of the 2023 season.
"Obviously, we had a pretty good year last year and when I got asked to stay on longer, I couldn’t say yes quick enough," McIntyre said.
"I’m really excited to be staying up here on the Gold Coast.
"[Extending my contract has made] the pre-season so much easier in a certain way, because you don’t have so much head noise going into the year.
"I’m really happy that I’ve been backed by the coaches and the club to play on here, so I’m really happy."
'I couldn’t say yes quick enough' - McIntyre
Hailing from Port Macquarie, the Mid North Coast junior began his career playing under 20s in Newcastle, before getting his first grade start at the Wests Tigers in 2020.
Moving closer to home to the Gold Coast in 2021, the back-rower starred in 10 games for the Titans last season, and is now focused on becoming a regular top 17 contender in his second year at the club.
"I’d definitely like to play more first grade this year," McIntyre said.
"I’d really like to cement a spot in the side, whether that be starting or on the bench.
"Anywhere the coach wants me to play, I’ll play… wherever I’m needed."
His team-first attitude is what is admired most around the playing group, as well as his rock-solid commitment to continually toil hard and improve, with one of his biggest goals in 2022 to stay fit and get faster.
"I wasn’t always the best player in every team I’ve ever played in, so I’ve always tried to work as hard as I can and do all the extras I can to be the best player I can be and do what’s needed for the team," McIntyre said.
"I can always be faster.
"Working on my speed with the coaches is something I want to do and always try to stay fit.
"I’m not one of those guys like Dave (Fifita) or Tino (Fa'asuamaleaui) that’s huge and can run over people, so I need to stay fit, work on my skills and just do all the one percenters."
The constant drive to improve is made easier by the fact the 22-game youngster sees the opportunity to pull on the Titans jersey as fun and not as a job.
"All the boys here work so hard, and because we all work so hard, we all have fun," McIntyre said.
"Especially in those moments where we’re struggling, we just get together and have fun together.
"It’s a really enjoyable vibe we have in this team and I love coming to training everyday.
"I don’t see it as work, it’s just fun."
With the first of two trials just around the corner - a Queensland derby against the Brisbane Broncos on February 19 - the newly-extended forward can't wait to rip in.
"I’m so excited. The closer it is to trials, the better it is for us," McIntyre said.
"I love coming to training everyday, but obviously there’s times in pre-season that’s not always fun. But the closer to trials and the more times we’ve got the footy in our hands, the better it is.
"I’m just so excited to start playing footy again soon."
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