3 minute read

Gold Coast's signing of big-money recruit David Fifita has the NRL spotlight focused on the Titans in 2021 and that's fine with coach Justin Holbrook.

Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook knows there's no avoiding the glare of the NRL spotlight for the Titans in 2021.

A five-game winning run at the back end of last season and the big-money recruitment of David Fifita from Queensland rivals Brisbane has many tipping big things from the Titans this year.

For a club so often written off heading into a campaign, the scrutiny and expectation is almost unprecedented.

Already Fifita's high profile has brought off-field drama with the 21-year-old arrested and then released without charge in December over an alleged trespassing incident.

The NRL has since launched an investigation into the incident amid reports a payment was made by the club to the family involved.

It's just a sign that the Titans' rise is also going to come with extra issues for Holbrook and his squad to handle.

"If we want to be seen as a good side in the competition and expectation on us, then it's going to bring a lot more attention," Holbrook told AAP.

"That's a good thing. We've just got to handle it and see how we go.

"We're in sport and we're going to be under scrutiny now there's a bit of expectation on us so we've got handle that if we're going to do well."

Holbrook said Fifita's pay packet, reportedly $3.5 million over three years, won't have any bearing on his own expectations of the back-rower.

"I don't care what anyone's earning. I care how they play and how they behave," Holbrook said.

"I've got no issue with what Dave is getting paid, it's all about how he fits into the team.

"He's a very humble young man and he's a great young guy, and I just can't wait for him to play in our team."