Jojo Fifita is anticipating his second cousin David will use his Maroons snubbing as a big motivator to help the Titans make it three on the trot against the Eels this Saturday.
The 24-year-old was again overlooked by Billy Slater for the Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium - shocking a large percentage of the state calling for the recall of the barnstorming backrower - including his Titans teammates who themselves were surprised Fifita didn't get the call to be playing Wednesday week.
The NRL's leading forward for tackle breaks with a whopping 77 in only 12 appearances this season, the wrecking ball is also averaging 153 metres per match - even showing all facets of his game with a more defensive-focused mindset against the Sharks.
Round 18 highlights: Sharks v Titans
Having missed out with Slater still believing Fifita hasn't reached the heights of his 2023 season despite his statistics and performances being very similar, Queensland's loss is Gold Coast's gain according to Jojo, who knows how much Dave will use to his advantage.
"It’s unfortunate for Dave. We’d love to see him play in a Maroons jersey," he said.
"We love watching our Titans boys play for Queensland, but it helps us for this week because he’s back playing with us.
"I reckon it'll be a major inspiration for him to improve and continue getting better through the year.
"It was unfortunate for him not to make it but if he keeps going the way he’s going, there will be no doubt he’ll make the team next year."
Match: Titans v Eels
Round 19 -
home Team
Titans
14th Position
away Team
Eels
16th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Returning to Cbus Super Stadium against Parramatta on Saturday, the home side's focus is on backing up their tenacious 20-16 victory against the Sharks in Coffs Harbour, crediting their strong start and gritty defence as the catalysts for getting the job done against one of the premiership favourites.
"It’s probably the best win we’ve had all year," Fifita said.
"It definitely helps having back-to-back wins now. I reckon that’s just going to boost our confidence even more for the backend of the year.
"We just need to back up how we played last week. We definitely went into the game more confident than other weeks, so I reckon that’s a big part of how we play.
"If we just get to a good start at the beginning, that will really help our confidence.
Missing their last showing at Robina - a record 66-6 domination of the Warriors which he was forced to watch on from home with the flu - the young flyer is eager to get back home after being a mainstay of the Titans backline since Round 5.
"I was buzzing after that game," he said.
"I remember watching it at home sick and was seeing the score continue to go up and up and up and thought… 'ohhh, I could’ve been in this game.'
"I’m just glad to be back in the team now."
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