John Olive has vowed to fight way back into a permanent centre spot

SOUTHS recruit John Olive has vowed to fight his way back into permanent spot at the Titans after leaving the Redfern for more opportunities on the Gold Coast.

John Olive during Gold Coast Titans training at Pizzey Park, Burleigh. Pics Adam Head

RABBITOHS recruit John Olive has vowed to fight his way back into permanent centre spot at the Titans after leaving the Redfern burrow for more opportunities on the Gold Coast.

Olive made his Titans debut at Cbus Super Stadium last Sunday as the Gold Coast trumped Newcastle but is likely to play for Tweed Heads in the Intrust Super Cup on Sunday.

World All Stars representative Nene Macdonald has recovered from a knee injury and should earn a recall against the Storm in Melbourne at Olive’s expense.

The 19-year-old Olive didn’t look out of place against Newcastle as he scored his first NRL try despite landing on the Gold Coast just a week earlier.

The NSW under-20s representative last year committed to the Titans for 2017-18 but was released in the final week of the pre-season to join the Gold Coast early and said he was relishing the opportunity.

“I was just focusing on playing for the Rabbitohs but unfortunately something happened,” Olive said.

“Souths and Titans came to an agreement. I was happy enough to come up.

“Footy’s a business. I’m just trying to focus on where I’m playing.

“It was a bit of a change and opportunity to play first grade. I’m trying to get as much first grade under my belt.

John Olive in action during a Gold Coast Titans training session. Pics Adam Head

“No matter who I’m playing for I’ll put my best foot forward to do what I can to get back in first grade.”

Olive travelled a winding path to the NRL, having been cut by St George-Illawarra as a 16-year-old only to be given a shot by South Sydney two years later.

He made his NRL debut as an 18-year-old on the wing but sees his future at left centre.

“Most likely left centre but anywhere at my age is good,” he said.

“Having a full pre-season under my belt really helped me.

“I felt pretty good (last week).”

Olive’s left-side partner Josh Hoffman said the youngster had brought plenty of enthusiasm to the Titans.

“He came straight in with a bit of larrikin about him,” Hoffman said.

“He adds energy and excitement to the team. He showed that on Sunday.”

Co-captain William Zillman will have to pass a fitness test on Saturday if he is to replace David Mead at fullback while coach Neil Henry will make a decision on whether Luke Douglas earns a recall after assessing Eddy Pettybourne’s corked leg.