Moe-tivation moving forward as Titans seek fourth straight win

After being promoted to the starting side and tasked with bringing some aggression to the Maroons defence for Game Three, Moeaki Fotuaika will be looking to do the same while backing up for the Titans.

This week, the Gold Coast face Manly in a clash that already has plenty of key talking points with coach Des Hasler and captain Kieran Foran taking on their former team.

For Fotuaika, his challenge is to put the disappointment of a series loss behind him and help put his side on the front foot as they aim to claim their fourth straight victory against his Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans.

“After Origin, everyone goes away and life goes on and you’re playing against them, I'm playing against Chez this weekend,” Fotuaika said.

“The last 10 days, he's been my best mate and ... we've been friends a long time but then come Sunday, a couple of days later, we're basically enemies trying to win the game for our team.”

Playing all three games of this year’s series, Fotuaika’s switch to the starting pack was a late surprise to fans on game day, but was always the plan for Maroons coach Billy Slater who needed more from his forwards given the way they were outmuscled in Game Two.

Missing the services of the likes of Dolphins duo Tom Gilbert, Thomas Flegler and Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui for the entire series, the Maroons forwards had a challenge ahead of them, and after being outplayed in the MCG loss, restored some pride with their performance in the decider.

“Leading up into this game, I don't think we left any stone unturned in the preparation that we had. Mentally, physically, we were all prepared for this game,” Fotuaika said.

“We spoke about the whole time leading up into this game that everyone wanted to be more aggressive; and defensively, I thought we did that right from the start.

“When Billy did tell me I was starting, he just said just to be aggressive in defence and when I do get the ball, just to blow the front door down. Pretty simple. I think he just wanted me to just go out there and play my game.”

Named to back up and start for the Titans 4 Pines Stadium, a win would see the Titans go to 20 points and within touching distance of the top eight on a contested premiership ladder.