Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is set to follow in the footsteps of fellow NRL stars Ryan Papenhuyzen, Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic in an important stage of his ACL rehabilitation.
Now almost seven months post operation following the season-ending knee injury in Round 3, the Gold Coast forward will embark on a journey to the United States on Friday for a two-week training camp with world-renowned sports reconditioning and athletic coach Bill Knowles.
The 30-year performance trainer's successful work with the rugby league trio in past years is why Fa'asuamaleaui is eager to make the trek to Philadelphia to help in his recovery, revealing it's been on his mind since the very beginning.
"Just watching players like Papenhuyzen, Turbo and Latrell go over there and get expert advice and a new set of eyes on their injury... as soon as I found out that I did my ACL, one of my first thoughts was for us to organise America," he told Titans.com.au.
"The club have been very good in sorting that out and making sure I get over there and learn from some of the best physios and trainers in the world.
"I am really keen for that new set of eyes to push me to my limits… I can’t wait to experience it."
'I'm going to grow from this': Fa'asuamaleaui
The Origin and International representative has admitted it's been a tough six months not being on the field during a rollercoaster season for the Titans, but the 24-year-old feels he has learnt plenty to take into 2025 watching on from the sidelines.
"It’s been very hard. I think I was more angry at the fact I couldn’t lead or help the boys anymore [than actually being injured]," Fa'asuamaleaui said.
"There have been a lot of highs and lows and during them all, I was wanting to be out there and helping the team, but it’s also been a massive learning curve.
"Being able to watch football for a year and watch the boys play allowed me to pick up on things we can improve on and also identify the things that we’re good at.
"It'll help us move forward for when we’re back and allow me to push those areas to keep building and get better next year."
In further good news for the skipper, Fa'asuamaleaui is expected to integrate into training upon his return from the US as he eyes being back to full fitness in readiness for 2025.
"I’m very keen. I can’t wait to get back," he said.
"It’s been a whirlwind year and there’s a lot of blessings, but football is a big one that I've missed.
"I can’t wait to get out there and be back playing footy with my mates, as well as working hard to win and continue the drive to bring success here to the Gold Coast."
