Moeaki Fotuaika isn't short of motivation for this weekend's clash against the Eels.
Already expecting a vocal, passionate home crowd at Cbus Super Stadium and a desire to avenge the nail-biting loss in the season opener to get the barnstorming prop up and about, the fact newly-appointed Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater will be watching with a keen eye adds even more reason the 22-year-old enforcer will be hungry to claim the two competition points.
Having already played five games for Queensland and being a standout in the Origin arena last season, he met with the Maroons legend recently to talk about the prestigious jersey and playing well over the next few weeks to ensure he will be there for Game I in Sydney - even potentially as a starter given the season-ending injury to Christian Welch.
"I was on just a Zoom meeting with a couple of other boys from different clubs having a general chat just about how much the Queensland jersey means and how important it is to play well in it," Fotuaika said.
"But I'm not looking too far forward. I'm just focusing on my job here at the Titans.
"I just want to play good footy here and if I'm doing that, everything else will take care of itself."
Welcoming back Isaac Liu and Beau Fermor from COVID isolation on Thursday after missing the past week, the Titans were pleased to have had a solid training run at full-strength minus Brian Kelly (COVID protocols) in readiness to face off against the red-hot Eels on Saturday night.
"It was really good. We are looking pretty sharp both sides of the ball with our defence and attack," Fotuaika said.
"All the boys and I are looking forward to playing this weekend in front of our home fans again and hopefully we can put in a good result."
Match: Titans v Eels
Round 5 -
home Team
Titans
10th Position
away Team
Eels
4th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Partnering Liu in the front row, it's the 205 NRL games of experience the premiership winner brings to the club that Fotuaika values most.
"He's won two grand finals at the Roosters and he's played for the Kiwis as well. He knows a lot about the game and when he does talk, everyone listens around him," Fotuaika said.
"Just his presence around us is just as good as just him talking.
"I really value his experience and how he plays the game."
Off the field this weekend, it's a special occasion between both clubs as they partner together and auction signed jerseys and match balls for the NRL's Tonga Relief initiative.
With Fotuaika having proud Tongan heritage, he encourages everyone to get involved and raise as much money as possible for the passionate rugby league country that was hit hard by the devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami at the start of the year.
Mal and Titans get behind Tonga tsunami recovery
"I think it's really good that both clubs are doing something good to raise funds for what happened over in Tonga," Fotuaika said.
"I definitely recommend everyone to support the cause and get around it so we can get some good results out of it and support the people that have been affected by it."
Find out more about the Titans' efforts to help Tonga here.
The Titans are out for revenge this Saturday night against the Parramatta Eels at Cbus Super Stadium. Secure your seat now.
