Isaac Liu has sung the praises of teammate Klese Haas after his inclusion into this weekend's 17, arming the young gun with a simple but effective message ahead of this Saturday's battle at Brookvale.
Recalled after two stellar games to start his fledgling career at the backend of 2022, the 21-year-old has more than knocked the door down to first grade, averaging 111 run metres and 29 tackles at a near-perfect 96 percent in his first four appearances for Tweed in the Hostplus Cup.
On the brink the past two weeks having been initially named, senior Titans forward Liu has been impressed with Haas in and around training and has given the hard-running back-rower an uncomplicated but fundamental insight into how to approach his first game of NRL in 2023.
"He's been really knocking on the door and even last week, he was so close to playing again... but he's got his chance now," he said.
"I'm looking forward to really seeing him out there and work on his craft, but you the main thing is for him to go out there and just do his job and play our football."
The talented edge forward will join a number of other young stars who have continued to impress each week - including the likes of Moe Fotuaika, David Fifita and Tino Fa'ausamaleaui - all under the age of 24 - keeping the Gold Coast lock on his toes and pushing him to continue to work hard and get better each and every week.
"All these young boys always drive me to be as good as them," Liu said.
"They also make sure that during the game, I've got to run hard and make those moments count.
"It's definitely a driver to perform like those younger boys have performed."
With a big chance to put their disappointing second half against the Dolphins behind them with a win against a star-studded Manly forward pack, the Titans No. 13 is relishing the challenge, just focussed on the job ahead for his team.
"I don't mind the big names and crafty superstars out there, but I'm just focused on my job and what I've got to do for my forward pack.
"I want to make sure my team is mainly focussed on what's ahead."
