How 'Big Tino' went from NRL rookie to Titans captain in just two seasons

Rarely has a player risen through the ranks as quickly as giant Gold Coast Titans forward Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.

In 2020, the Melbourne Storm's rookie of the year played off the bench in the club's grand final win over the Penrith Panthers and was named in the Queensland State of Origin team.

Last season he joined the Titans where he played 23 games and was rewarded with a multi-million dollar contract extension until 2026. 

Now the 22-year-old is the youngest captain in the National Rugby League (NRL) and he'll lead the Titans into their 16th season in the NRL against the Parramatta Eels on Sunday.

Fa'asuamaleaui said he was excited rather than daunted about being appointed the club's on-field leader.

«Being younger doesn't really phase me because things are going to happen and I'm going to learn along the way,» he said.

«I can't wait to lead the boys out onto the field and lead with my actions.»

Fa'asuamaleaui said Titans coach Justin Holbrook approached him about the captaincy role during the off season.

«I was lost for words to be honest, I was a little bit emotional,» he said.

«I never thought I'd be an NRL player let alone an NRL captain.

»To be a captain of the Titans is massive for me and my family."

The Titans missed their final pre season trial against the New Zealand Warriors when the recent east coast flood event caused the postponement of their game in Brisbane and the cancellation of the rescheduled trial on the Gold Coast.

«It's a crazy world at the moment and anything can happen,» said Fa'asuamaleaui.

«We've got to move on.

»We've just got to train hard and make sure we're ready for the Parramatta Eels on Sunday."

The elevation of Fa'asuamaleaui to the captaincy role surprised some pundits but not those inside the