Titans enforcer Moe Fotuaika is expecting to see David Fifita fire against his former club in this Sunday's first trial against Brisbane in Toowoomba.
Returning from off-season ankle surgery that saw him sidelined in the early stages of Gold Coast's pre-season preparations, the 24-year-old has worked hard to be fit for the season opener and is hungry to get back to his best with a great opportunity in his side's first showing.
"It's good to see the big fella running around," Fotuaika said.
"He's definitely happy.... it's probably the best he's come back.
"He's got a high standard of himself and he's harder on himself than anyone else, so I'm excited for him to have a big year and I know he will.
"I'm excited to see how he goes this weekend too."
The Titans will field a near-strength forward pack against the Broncos after a gruelling three months of pre-season training, aiming to perfect their bid to return to finals footy after a tough end to 2024 in Des Hasler's first year in-charge.
Match: Broncos v Titans
Round 2 -
home Team
Broncos
4th Position
away Team
Titans
16th Position
Venue: Toowoomba Sports Ground, Toowoomba
Fotuaika is most looking forward to dusting off the cobwebs and getting the chance back out in the middle after the continuous training block at Parkwood.
"It's always exciting this time of the year with trials coming up," he said.
"I'm just excited to get the ball in hand and get those combinations.
"Just to play footy makes me really happy."
Only missing Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (knee) and Reagan Campbell-Gillard (shoulder) up front for the upcoming clash, Gold Coast aren't rushing the skipper back with still a month to go until the first game of the season proper, knowing how much of an influence his presence will be upon his return.
"I'm definitely excited alongside the other boys to have Tino back out there.
"He's slowly getting there and I'm sure once he's out there, we'll all feel comfortable and will definitely feel his presence out there.
"Even at training the last couple of weeks... being alongside him, you can definitely tell how much of a different he makes."
