'Definitely a cool story': Lofipo's sudden debut never to be forgotten

In a rollercoaster week filled of ups and downs, the former Australian Schoolgirl admits the whole experience is still a bit of a blur. But she does vividly remember the moment assistant coach Aaron Booth delivered the news that she could ever imagine.

"I wasn't expecting it at all... I was super nervous just sitting on the sideline and just felt like a spectator on the edge of my seat the whole game. I remember looking up at Boothy and him saying to me... 'get up, you're going on'," Lofipo told titans.com.au.

"I was quite nervous and I just wasn't processing it... like I kept asking him, 'am I really going on? Are you sure?'

"Before I knew it, I was taking my (18th player) bib off and quickly warming up."

Revealing she did have a little moment before going on the field, her anxiety quickly subsided when experienced campaigner Steph Hancock took the impending debutant aside to remind her about the occasion - a player the rising star has really looked up to since her time at Titans HQ. 

"I love Steph. She's been a mentor since I've been here and she really calmed me down before I got out there because I was freaking out," Lofipo said.

"She just reminded me that I worked really hard for this moment and no matter what was happening, I get to debut at home with my best mates and that everything was going to be alright.

"She just also reminded me to breathe and that everyone was here (at Cbus Super Stadium) to watch us play.

"The stuff she spoke to me about really helped me out."

The rest is history, with Lofipo becoming NRLW Titan #38 in front of friends and family who were in the stands to support the Gold Coast in their season opener, just as shocked to see her debut.

Her 13 minutes won't be short-lived either, with the talented teen getting her second chance to shine in this Thursday night's M1 derby against the Broncos, glad to get more than a minute's notice to prepare this week.

But upon reflecting back on her debut and the way it all transpired... Lofipo wouldn't change it for the world.

"I've been thinking about it and no one will probably get the same debut that I did," she said.

"I like that I've kept it original... it's definitely a cool story and I'll still get to have a special moment with my family in the future I'm sure."