Fresh from a sterling performance for the Burleigh Bears - proving he's overcome a calf strain - there's never been a better time for Jaimin Jolliffe to return.
Fit and firing to face off against the Broncos in the Macca's local derby, the consistent, hard-working forward appreciated the opportunity to drop back to the Hostplus Cup to make sure he was ready again for the rigours of first grade.
After topping the tackle count with 33 efforts and making 150 metres across 16 runs in 59 minutes against the Capras in Emerald last Saturday, nothing can wipe the smile off the 25-year-old's face after being recalled to the Titans' top 17.
"I really enjoyed my game there with Burleigh. I got some good minutes in and we had a win," Jolliffe said.
"They're a great club. I'm really grateful they took me in, but I'm really happy to be back."
Returning at an opportune time, anticipating a packed Suncorp Stadium for the traditional rivalry between big and little brother, Jolliffe is expecting some scintillating contests right across the park... not just compelling fans, but the playing group as well.
"There'll be some really great battles there on the weekend. It's exciting for the fans and it's exciting for us as well," Jolliffe said.
"We need to turn things around and they're our biggest rival.
"There's always that little bit of fire in the belly for these games and it will be intense, I'd say."
With the clash of the packs a fierce contest that is well and truly worth the price of admission, the gritty middle forward feels his role is quite simple off the pine - to keep that intensity up with plenty of effort and energy.
Match: Broncos v Titans
Round 12 -
home Team
Broncos
4th Position
away Team
Titans
14th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
"My role is never too complicated. It's just effort, energy and the one percenters... the hunt from marker, bouncing from A (defender) and just being really tidy... things like that," Jolliffe said.
"That's what I intend to bring to the team, so if I can get out there and do it this week, that'll help the team go a long way."
The club will wear a special jersey to acknowledge Indigenous Round, and its artist Kieran Chilcott speaking to the playing group on Monday about the design, the barnstorming prop knows how important this Friday night's clash is to First Nations people.
15 Years: Discover the story behind the design
"It means a lot to the boys. Brian Kelly, Jayden Campbell.... there's quite a few guys that it means a lot to," Jolliffe said.
"We've got a real rich history of the club with Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander players and now is a good chance to represent them, do their communities proud and our community as well.
"I think it's a really special round for the NRL, and the jersey design is outstanding. Kieran has done a great job and I'm really looking forward to pulling it on."
Discover more about the Gold Coast Titans 2022 Indigenous jersey here.
