Chris Randall is a proud Lakes United junior, and he has plenty to thank them for with his rise to becoming one of the Titans' very versatile utilities.
A late inclusion for Tino Fa'asuamaleaui who was rested from last Sunday's victory against the Broncos, the 27-year-old played an important role as a back-rower off the bench given Klese Haas' absence, contributing with a solid 32-minute performance on the edge which included 54 metres, 16 tackles and a tackle break worth watching on the highlights reel over and over again.
Having played his first 11 games as a hooker since joining the Titans from the Knights in the off-season, it may have came as quite a shock to many fans seeing Randall running out on the edge, but the positional change was no surprise to him given his road to playing first grade.
"Through my juniors and stuff, I played a lot of positions... so I think that's helped," he said.
"I've just then be able to prove myself at this level in different positions now and I've been doing a little bit of training around in different positions, which has helped.
"I was pretty keen to to get a shot at another another spot other than hooker and prove myself there. Sammy (Verrills) is a first class worker and plays 80 minutes a lot, so I knew if I can show that I can play a couple other positions to the coaching staff, it'd be a good thing."
Tasked with a similar role off the bench in the Gold Coast's trip to Canberra, the 41-game forward is expecting a tough showing against the green machines, but is confident he and the squad can get the job down in the nation's capital.
"Obviously last week was a good win and all the boys got up for that one, but we've had to put that behind us pretty quickly and just focus on this next week and that's Canberra," Randall said.
"We're going to head down there with a job to do and I'm pretty confident we can get the job done.
"I haven't checked the weather or anything yet but I'm expecting it to be pretty cool... but we've got a day game so it's probably the best option to avoid the cold.
"It's actually a great week for us wearing beanies for the Mark Hughes Foundation given we're going to Canberra."
Randall will also play with an extra spring in his step this weekend having signed a contract extension to remain on the Coast for a further three seasons, incredibly excited and proud to be calling the Titans his home long-term after excelling in his opportunity at the top grade since his move from Newcastle.
"I'm really happy to lock in my future until 2026," he said.
"I love the Gold Coast and I love this club and I'm just really grateful to be able to extend my time here that far and in a short period of time too.
"Hopefully I can repay that faith the club has shown me and put my best foot forward for the next three years."
