Fifita a big drawcard in Schoupp’s Titans move

The chance to play outside one of rugby league’s most damaging edge forwards was a key factor in Aaron Schoupp’s decision to move to the Gold Coast on a three-year deal.

Despite being contracted to the Bulldogs until the end of the 2024 season, the 21-year-old centre was successful in securing a release to move north with immediate effect. 

After signing on with the Gold Coast earlier this month, Schoupp, who appeared 32 times for the Bulldogs across the 2021 and 2022 seasons, said he was relishing the prospect of playing on an edge likely to contain both dynamic forward David Fifita and Kiwi international half Kieran Foran.

“The opportunity to try and play on the same edge as [David], with Kieran Foran, that’s a goal of mine to lock down that spot,” Schoupp said. 

I have had to tackle him and it’s not too fun, so hopefully playing outside of him will be better.

Aaron Schoupp

“It will be good for me playing outside of David, obviously he draws a lot of defenders in, so if he can draw some in and set some [tries] up for me it will be good.

"Hopefully what I do and can bring to the club will help us.

"I have [walked into a club with lots of competition], but competition is healthy and it creates good team morale."

Joining Schoupp as the new faces at the Titans for 2023 are Foran, one-time Roosters hooker Sam Verrills and forward Joe Stimson, who Schoupp said has helped him adjust to life at his new club after the pair previously played together at the Bulldogs.

“It definitely makes it a lot easier. Stimmo is such a good bloke and people get along with him really easily," Schoupp said. 

“Being a younger lad it’s easy to lean on him and for him to help me.

“The biggest thing about me coming here was the confidence that Justin [Holbrook] had in me.

“Everyone plays better football when you know you’re being backed.”

Stimson meanwhile admitted he has a point to prove next season, following a three-year stretch at the Dogs in which he appeared in just 34 Telstra Premiership matches. 

“I think I have got a point to prove really. I have had a frustrating three years by my standards, I think," Stimson said. 

“It was pretty tough, it was a long year last year.

“I am really enjoying my time here. The boys have been really welcoming and the coaches have been great.”