Titans Captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui Admits Worst Career Start, Vows Turnaround
Gold Coast Titans star Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has openly acknowledged that his performance in the first three rounds of the NRL season has fallen short of expectations, describing it as potentially the worst three-game stretch of his professional career. The captain's admission comes amid intense scrutiny of his form, with the Titans currently winless and languishing at the bottom of the ladder.
Struggles with Aggression and Tackling
Speaking on Wednesday, Fa'asuamaleaui conceded that his trademark aggression has been notably absent, averaging just 93 metres per game and missing a combined seven tackles. "That aggression is what I'm known for. That's what I pride myself on," he stated. "And to not be doing that during a game has been real frustrating for myself. It's been real upsetting too after games. It's only early in the year, but definitely not happy with my game." He added, "I probably haven't strung three disappointing games in my career before."
Bright Spot Amid Challenges
Despite the team's struggles, Fa'asuamaleaui's decision to recommit to the Gold Coast Titans through 2033 stands out as a significant positive for the club in 2026. The 26-year-old prop remains confident in a turnaround under new coach Josh Hannay, even though results have yet to reflect improvements. He emphasized that it is now his responsibility to elevate his physicality, particularly in the upcoming match against St George Illawarra, which features a formidable forward pack.
Discipline and Team Issues
Fa'asuamaleaui highlighted discipline as a critical factor moving forward, pointing to the Titans' possession woes. In their recent loss to North Queensland, the team managed only 39 percent of the ball, severely limiting opportunities. Consequently, no Gold Coast forward exceeded 85 metres, with the Titans frequently defending from their own end. "When you put yourself under pressure, it takes a lot of gas out of it," he explained. "Seventeen extra sets in defence on the weekend, it definitely doesn't help. It makes it harder, but I've got to keep fighting that every week and keep getting better as an individual."
He concluded, "I probably just haven't hit the marker with my role, which has been real frustrating and upsetting." As the Titans prepare for their next challenge, all eyes will be on Fa'asuamaleaui to lead by example and spark a much-needed resurgence.
