LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Gold Coast Titans' captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has expressed his hopes for rookie Cooper Bai as contract decisions loom. After committing to the Titans until the end of the decade, Fa'asuamaleaui told Bai, "Mate, you're next".
The Titans faced significant challenges in retaining Bai, who was widely expected to sign with the Melbourne Storm. However, the club is now in discussions to extend Bai's contract and keep him in Gold Coast.
Bai made an impressive debut in Round 27 last year, scoring a try on his second touch of the ball, although it was later disallowed by the video referee. Fa'asuamaleaui's long-term commitment to the Titans sends a clear indication to supporters that success is on the horizon.
With his future secured, Fa'asuamaleaui is now focused on mentoring Bai, who he communicates with regularly. "That's my job as a mate, and as a leader is to provide the boys if they're not feeling too well, or they need to talk to someone they can come to," he stated during a press conference. Fa'asuamaleaui added, "Even today I said 'Mate, you're next', hopefully fingers crossed that's it, but he's got to weigh up a lot of things."