Gold Coast Titans hard man Jaimin Jolliffe knows he can't leave anything in the tank at Saturday's first trial match against the Broncos.
The 41-gamer was a handy middle forward replacement for Justin Holbrook off the bench in 2021, playing every match but three on the pine last season; and although buoyed by the opportunity to run on as a starter in the Macca's local derby against Brisbane at Cbus Super Stadium, the 25-year-old isn't taking the chance to impress for granted.
"It's good [starting]. It’s an opportunity and that’s the way I’ve got to see it and I do," Jolliffe said.
"I’m just going to do the best I can and get some good minutes out and just really start well and have a good impact for the team."
Joining Herman Ese'ese, Isaac Liu, Jarrod Wallace, Moeaki Fotuaika, Sam Lisone and captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui on the long list of talented middle forward options the Titans head coach has to consider ahead of Round 1, Jolliffe knows there is still a good chance of kicking the year off as one of the Coast's starting props for the clash against Parramatta.
"Obviously you push for more [than being on the bench] and that’ll be a goal of mine, but we’ve got some great forwards here and I’m just happy to do my part for the team, wherever that is," Jolliffe said.
"With the middles we’ve got at the moment, there’s obviously some boys training really hard, so nothing's guaranteed at the moment. I’m aware of my position at the moment and I know nothing is locked in.
"At the trial this weekend, I’ll just be doing my best and trying to jag that spot like everyone else."
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 1 -
home Team
Titans
7th Position
away Team
Broncos
8th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Saturday's blockbuster at Cbus Super Stadium will be a great test for the reliable front rower as the Broncos prepare to roll out a number of big guns in their forward pack, such as Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan and Kurt Capewell according to Channel 9's Ben Dobbin.
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With Holbrook still undecided on his final team selection for the clash, plenty of Titans fans are eager to see who will play in Gold Coast colours, including if David Fifita will be part of the lineup, after his barnstorming performance representing his Indigenous heritage at the All Stars clash.
Despite copping a rib-tickler in the fiery encounter, Titans high performance staff cleared him of any serious injury which opens the door for an appearance against his former club.
"He looks fine and is training well. I think he’ll be all good and come Round 1, he’ll be fit and firing," Jolliffe said.
"He’s had a great pre-season that’s been injury free and he’s been one of the best performers so expect a big year from Dave.
"I thought everyone who represented the club and their cultures just showed some real pride and passion and for the first game of the season, it was really physical and you could see it meant a lot to them.
"It was a great game to watch and it was good to see the boys came out of it ok and played some really good footy. It’s really exciting for Titans fans."
In a further incentive to join the Legion and fill the stands at Cbus this Saturday, the Titans have joined forces with the Broncos to raise money for the NRL's Tonga relief campaign, with all money raised through the 50-50 charity raffle helping support this very important initiative.
"Get down there and buy a ticket because it’s all going towards a good cause," Jolliffe said.
"They’ve been doing it really tough over there and we’ve got a lot of players in our teams with Tongan background and heritage, so we’ve really been supporting them as well.
"The people over there are struggling at the moment and anything we can do over here to help and with the Broncos, it's just a really good thing the club is doing."
