NRL 2021: Gold Coast Titans David Fifita, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Kevin Proctor injured
The Titans’ impressive pre-season has hit a hurdle with three star players picking up injuries a month out from the NRL season.
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The Gold Coast Titans have copped a triple injury blow, with star recruits David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui carrying niggles and captain Kevin Proctor racing the clock for Round 1.
Fifita suffered what appeared to be a thumb injury during a contract training session on Tuesday and later complained of soreness and movement issues.
While the injury appeared to be minor, and Fifita rejoined the session after having his right hand strapped, he is likely to be sent for scans to ensure there is no significant damage.
Fa’asuamaleaui could not complete parts of Tuesday’s intense two-hour session after picking up a knee injury last Friday.
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The Queensland Origin star had his knee strapped to protect a minor posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and sat out contact drills.
Fa’asuamaleaui was moving freely in fitness testing and looked to be in good shape ahead of his first season at the Titans after leaving Melbourne following a breakout 2020.
Proctor, 31, has been sidelined for the past fortnight with a hamstring strain and has been restricted to the gym.
Titans coach Justin Holbrook said he wasn’t concerned by Fifita and Fa’asuamaleaui’s problems and Proctor was aiming to play in the Gold Coast’s final pre-season trial against New Zealand on February 27.
“It’s only mild, he did it about two weeks ago,” he said.
“He is a good chance of playing in the Warriors trial. He will take it easy the next couple of weeks.
“Tino is fine. He did it last Friday and it hasn’t kept him out, except the contact. We’re taking it easy with him this week and he should be right next week.
“I haven’t seen (Fifita since training finished). I saw him pull out for one set then jump back in so it can’t be much.”
Fifita, 20, has looked in sensational touch at training since joining the Titans from Brisbane over the off-season.
He is fit, moving well and talkative among the group, with Holbrook saying his star recruit had fit into the club well.
“He has worked hard, all the credit has to go to him,” he said.
“He came back (to training) early last year and has been pushing himself to get into a good spot.
“He has fit in terrific. He is a good guy, he honestly is a good person. He wants us to do well.”
While the injuries are only minor, they have presented a hurdle as Holbrook looks to cement his best 17 ahead of the Gold Coast’s Round 1 clash against the Warriors on March 13.
The bulk of the Titans’ starting 13 appears settled, with star fullback AJ Brimson to overcome a foot injury and Holbrook to start with Anthony Don and Phillip Sami on the wings.
Warriors recruit Patrick Herbert will partner Brian Kelly in the centres while Ash Taylor and Jamal Fogarty will be the first-choice halves pairing, with Mitch Rein at hooker.
Proctor’s injury has opened the door for rising young gun Beau Fermor to spend time in the back-row along with Fifita.
Fa’asuamaleaui had his eye on the No. 13 jersey, but his injury has allowed utility Tyrone Peachey to train in the spot and present Holbrook with multiple options.
Holbrook said he was yet to settle on his middle forwards rotation, with the likes of Jarrod Wallace, Moeaki Fotuaika, Jaimin Jolliffe, Sam Lisone, Herman Ese’ese and Jai Whitbread jostling for spots.
“We’re mostly settled,” he said.
“I’m a bit unsure on the middles rotation and the trials will play a big part in that, but the majority should be sorted.
“They are going well, they are pushing each other at training. I’ve been happy and we’re looking forward to the games starting.”
A select group of Titans players with play a trial game against the Burleigh Bears on February 19.
The Titans lost the corresponding trial last year against the Intrust Super Cup club, but Holbrook said they were in a much better position ahead of his second season in charge.
“We’re a long way ahead of that (time last year),” he said.
“We were unsettled in a number of positions and nowhere near as far with understanding what we want to do as we are this year.
“It doesn’t prove anything until we start playing but we definitely feel a lot better as coaches.”
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Originally published as NRL 2021: Gold Coast Titans David Fifita, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Kevin Proctor injured
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