Jacob Alick had a taste of NRL football in 2023, now he has a thirst for more in 2024.
The young backrower has set his sights on a spot in Des Hasler's squad come round one, and intends on putting his case forward to the new Titans coach over the pre-season.
Along with an NRL debut, 2023 also saw Alick named at second row in the Hostplus Cup team of the year, while the 24-year-old also lined up for Papua New Guinea in the end of year Pacific Championships.
"It's always good to put on the Kumuls jersey," Alick said.
"To eventually win the cup was good, but yeah I loved my time over there.
"After the comp, I had two weeks to freshen up.
"I went to Queenstown and actually got engaged to my partner, so it was a pretty good break but I'm happy to be back now."
After a two week break, Alick says his body is well and truly back in training mode.
"It's been a bit of a shock to the body to be honest," he said.
"You can't always emulate the group training by yourself, so it is good to be back in the group."
With Beau Fermor returning from the ACL injury that kept him out for season 2023, Alick knows that there will be plenty of competition for spots come round one.
"I'm not naive, I know that a fit Beau Fermor and a fit Dave Fifita probably get first crack there, but I'm here to be the best player I can be and obviously push those boys to be better as well," he said.
"Obviously I want to try to keep playing first grade.
"I'll be trying to get a spot in the 17 every week and that's where I see myself."
Although only a week into life under his new coach, Alick says he's loving working with Des Hasler.
"I think he (Hasler) is a fan and he likes the sort of skill that I bring," he said.
"He just wants me to be working hard.
"He's a tough sort of old school coach and he just wants me to keep working on my effort areas.
"I think he is a lot more in-depth with the video analysis.
"Des is very particular in how he wants things to be done.
"There is more meetings, video and self accountability, so it's been a good change I think."
