Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has resisted offers from rival clubs and has re-signed with the Gold Coast Titans until the end of 2026.
The 21-year-old had significant interest from the Dolphins but opted to stay on the Gold Coast where he will earn more than $800,000 a season.
Fa’asuamaleaui said there were many reasons why he remained at the club, but the biggest was the emerging young talent within the Titans group.
“The group we have are very young but there’s a lot of potential there,” Fa’asuamaleaui said on Sportsday NSW.
“That was my main reason. That’s why I re-signed again.
“I’m really excited for the future. I’m hoping we do become a powerhouse and get to hold up that trophy one day.”
Fa’asuamaleaui’s relationship with Titans head coach Justin Holbrook was also a contributing factor in the forward re-committing to the Gold Coast.
“I love working with him and I hope he loves working with me too,” Tino added.
“We’re definitely forming a good relationship and it will definitely grow more.”
Holbrook has applauded Fa’asuamaleaui’s attitude both on and off the field and has praised his influence on everyone associated with the club.
“That’s awesome to be able to hear words like that, especially from your head coach,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.
“That’s another reason why I love the Gold Coast Titans and why I signed.
“To be a part of all the good people (at the club) and hopefully we bring some success here.”
The Queensland representative admitted that the allure of supercoach Wayne Bennett almost convinced him to take up the offer to Redcliffe.
“I respect him a lot and I look up to him a lot,” he concluded.
“In Origin camp last year, he gave me the confidence to be out there and do a job for Queensland.”
Fa’asuamaleaui claimed the Paul Broughton Medal as the Titans best player in his first season at the club and has quickly become a leader for the team.