NRL 2024: Gold Coast Titans ridicule Brisbane Broncos for not retaining Keenan Palasia

It’s the pot shot that will travel all the way from the Gold Coast to Las Vegas as Titans skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui ridicules the Broncos over what he believes is a glaring roster failure.

Gold Coast captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui claims the Broncos made a blunder letting rising forward Keenan Palasia join rivals the Titans.

Palasia will make his first NRL appearance for the Titans in Saturday week’s season-opener against the Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium.

Running out in an NRL game wearing Titans colours has been a long time coming for Palasia, who came through Gold Coast’s junior development system before being poached by the Broncos.

After being plagued by numerous long-term injuries, Palasia made his NRL debut for the Broncos in 2019, but only featured in 11 games over three seasons.

Gold Coast Titans recruit Keenan Palasia. Picture: NRL Photos

That was until he managed 22 matches in 2022, catching the eye of former Titans coach Justin Holbrook who snared his signature on a two-year contract in December that year for the 2024-25 NRL seasons.

Palasia, 27, took his game to another level last year during Brisbane’s grand final charge, making 20 appearances for the Broncos before returning to the Gold Coast.

He will make up a mean middle forwards pack with Queensland Origin stars Moeaki Fotuaika and Fa’asuamaleaui, who can’t believe the Broncos let Palasia slip.

“He’s very good, I’m surprised the Broncos got rid of him,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.

“He’s a gun player and I’m happy he’s with us.

“He brings a lot. He’s played in a grand final, rep footy and a lot of games.

“He’s only going to benefit us with his experience.”

In a perfect world, the Broncos would have held on to Palasia, but couldn’t match the money on offer from the Titans as they fought to retain Tom Flegler, who later joined the Dolphins.

Returning to the Titans has been a smooth transition for Palasia, who never thought he’d leave the club that first signed him.

Palasia in Broncos colours

“I was in the junior system and back then I always saw myself playing NRL in a Gold Coast Titans jersey, never really in a Broncos jersey,” Palasia said.

“How it panned out, I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“I got to play in a grand final for the Broncos and now I still get to put on my home town jersey as well.

“It is sort of that feeling (of being home). I always saw myself playing in a Titans jersey and now I get to finally do that.”

While he was named in the front row for last week’s trial loss to Parramatta, Palasia has been training at lock throughout the pre-season under new coach Des Hasler.

He will start there against the Dragons and said his game had improved playing alongside Broncos star Pat Carrigan.

“I’ve been training in the 13 jersey at the moment, but wherever Des wants me to play I’ll fit in,” he said.

“It’s a similar role to what I was doing at the Broncos when I did come on the field. It’s more of a ball-playing role but also not forgetting my running game is my strongest suit.

“I learned a lot from (Carrigan). He is a year younger than me so it was weird learning and taking tips from him.

“In my opinion he’s the best 13 in the competition at the moment. To be able to learn from him is an honour.”

Palasia’s 53rd and final game for the Broncos was last year’s heartbreaking grand final loss to Penrith.

He committed to the Titans three months before the 2023 NRL season started and said he hasn’t regretted his decision.

“Not really, I’m not one to dwell on my decisions,” he said.

“Once I made the decision to come to the Titans I was pretty set on that and happy with it.

“I’d like to think I’ve fit in well and get along with everyone. The boys have made it an easy transition for me.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Gold Coast Titans ridicule Brisbane Broncos for not retaining Keenan Palasia