Titans forward Keenan Palasia has backed David Fifita to be called into Camp Maroon for the Origin decider, believing his last month of 'consistent' standout performances should get the barnstorming backrower the nod.
When surprisingly left out of the Game I squad, Queensland coach Billy Slater felt the Gold Coast edge forward hadn't reached the standard of footy he set for himself in 2023.
But upon the Origin snubbing, several of his Titans teammates feel the 24-year-old has risen to another level in his past three games, backing him to impress again this week against Cronulla to earn a recall for Game III.
Especially when he has averaged 198 running metres, seven tackle busts and two offloads in those three performances.
"What he’s been working on the most is his consistency and work ethic," Palasia said.
"He’s been putting in the one percenters that he may not have been doing previously and it's shown wonders for us, like against the Warriors.
"He’s always been able to break tackles and break the game open, so if you add in his effort areas, I think he’s become a complete player."
Round 16 highlights: Titans v Warriors
Alongside Fifita, AJ Brimson's timely return from a groin injury this week could come at the most opportune time for Slater who is on the lookout for an outside back following Xavier Coates' hamstring injury.
Having been there and done a job for Queensland before in the centres, the Titans enforcer is backing Brimson to also be in the mix, alongside Origin bolter Beau Fermor, who has continually put his hand up since coming back from an ACL injury.
But should they miss out on selection, Palasia will relish their inclusion for the Gold Coast with finals still not out of the question with 10 games to go.
"It may be biased coming from a mate and teammate like myself but [AJ] and Beau Fermor could all be pushing for a spot in Game III (alongside Dave and Moe Fotuaika)," he said.
"If they don’t make the team, they get to play for us and they don’t miss a game which is great for us."
Match: Sharks v Titans
Round 18 -
home Team
Sharks
3rd Position
away Team
Titans
15th Position
Venue: C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Cheekily suggesting coach Des Hasler hasn't stopped smiling since their 66-6 Warriors demolition before the bye, the Gold Coast will head to Coffs Harbour to face the Sharks eager to replicate the defensive display that helped them dominate their past game.
"It’s never been new for the Titans to put on points, it’s just been our defence this year," Palasia said.
"To be able to put together a full game and put a smile on Des’ face for the first time is pretty good, so hopefully we can do that for the next 10 games."
