Off-contract Gold Coast second-rower Arama Hau is a rising star the club intends to keep for more reasons than his proven ability as a match winner.
Hau's two long-range tries in the 22-14 win over St George Illawarra on Sunday night - one a 30m surge and the other a stepping, dummying 50m effort - showcased rare athleticism, pace and game awareness for such a raw talent.
The 21-year-old is a Gold Coast junior, hailing from the Nerang Roosters, and he went to school at local powerhouse Keebra Park High. Former Gold Coast forward David Fifita, who Hau resembled in his powerhouse display on Sunday night in Robina, attended the same school.
The Titans don't want to lose their best juniors and are in talks with Hau to keep him at the club long-term, as they have with several of their key men.
"What's been really important to us is to keep the core of the kids that have come through our junior pathway systems and Arama is definitely one of those," Titans director of football Scott Sattler told AAP.
"As a club we want to retain that group - like we have with Keano Kini, Jayden Campbell and Jojo Fifita - because that is the key to success."
Both Hau tries came off delightful passes by halfback Jayden Campbell who told the club's hierarchy that a fit and firing Hau was a player he wanted alongside him.
Hau, who has a larrikin streak, said Campbell was one of several players, along with coach Josh Hannay, who laid down the law with him.
"They have told me I need to pull my head in," he said.
"I can play around sometimes and I am trying to find the balance of professionalism and when to have a laugh.
"I am in and out of games and sessions sometimes. My mind can go other places and I look like a bit of an idiot so (Hannay) is just trying to keep that professionalism in me.
""I have always backed myself against anyone but I am working on my repeat efforts, the basics and consistency in my game."
Hannay liked what he saw against the Red V..
"That is four straight 80-minute performances from Arama. You can see the quality of the lad," Hannay said.
"He spent the last three weeks working his backside off and tonight he got the opportunities to shine, so I am really happy for him."
Hau, with just 12 NRL games under his belt, is more than happy to inherit the mantle of the departed Fifita.
"I went to the same school as David. When I came here he took me under his wing a little but it so it is good to take over from him, for now I guess," he said.
"I am pinching myself every day doing something I love."
