Kieran Foran knows there's no guarantee he'll be wearing the coveted No. 7 jersey come the Titans season opener against the Bulldogs, despite being the most experienced playmaker in Gold Coast's roster.
Commencing his 17th season in the NRL - and yet to declare 2025 will be his last - the 34-year-old isn't taking his impressive resume for granted in the race for spots in the make-up of Des Hasler's spine the Titans mentor needs to piece together.
Having not yet broached the subject with his head coach, the 303-gamer doesn't want to get complacent despite being an odds on favourite to win a starting role in the halves.
"[Des] hasn't told me yet (of my role) but obviously I'm the incumbent No. 7, so I'll train as hard as I can and work my backside off [to remain there]," Foran said.
"Nothing is guaranteed in this game. I'll be full steam ahead post Christmas and back into full training.
"At the end of the day, we've got a great young group here and have a number of spine players and guys we've tinkered with over the last 12 months to look at where everyone can fit.
"Certain guys have jumped out of the ground which has been awesome for the club moving forward, but I'm a competitor and I'm going to compete [for a spot].
"That's what you do in this game and I'm looking forward to the challenge."
'We've got a great young group here': Foran
Having been motivated by the number of emerging players at the Titans who have kept Foran young at heart and striving to improve every day, his fellow experienced playmakers have done the same - especially with Brisbane's recent recruitment of Ben Hunt.
Set to partner Adam Reynolds (34) in what will be one of the more senior halves combinations in history, the two join Foran and a number of other players such as Daly Cherry-Evans (35) and Chad Townsend (33) who continue to flourish in their twilight years alongside being influential mentors for the up and coming talents at their respective clubs.
"I think it's great that us old blokes are still running around," Foran said.
"We've been very fortunate to live out our dreams as long as we have and all of us at certain periods have challenged one another and pushed one another to keep going.
"We've also inspired one another at certain stages which has been really cool.
"We're all great mates off the field as well, so I think it's really cool that we're able to do what we do this many years on."
The Kiwi International's knowledge and mentorship is set to be a big ally for returning Gold Coast captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who will retake leadership duties from Foran upon his first game back, but the seasoned veteran will be there for the commanding forward whenever his guidance is needed.
"He's our captain and he's our leader," he said.
"He missed a bulk of last season going down with that very unfortunate ACL injury. He was a huge loss for us, but he'll come straight back into that captaincy role.
"We back him and we get behind him and I'll be there to support him throughout the season whenever he needs it."
