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Tino's green light paves way for Titan's NRL comeback

Murray WenzelAAP
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui will return to Gold Coast training next week after a long-term knee injury. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)
Camera IconTino Fa'asuamaleaui will return to Gold Coast training next week after a long-term knee injury. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

Fit-again Gold Coast captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has passed his final tests and is set to return to training next week from a long-term knee injury.

The representative prop suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his right knee in round three last year.

A Monday visit to Sydney rehabilitation consultant Pitch Ready for a series of tests was viewed as the last step before he is able to train with the main group.

"It's all good," the 24-year-old said after the meeting.

"I came out here ... had a bit of fun. A bit nervous, but definitely feeling good and ready to join the team next week.

"Excited ... it's been a long time, but being around them the last few weeks has been awesome and I just can't wait to be fully reintegrated."

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Pitch Ready was also used by the Titans before forward Beau Fermor started full training last year after suffering the same injury.

Queensland front-rower Fa'asuamaleaui last year completed a two-week US training camp with in-demand sports reconditioning and athletic coach Bill Knowles, who has also assisted Tom Trbojevic, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Latrell Mitchell with their injury recoveries.

Fa'asuamaleaui is in the second season of a monster 10-year extension at the Titans and was sorely missed in Des Hasler's first season in charge last year.

A 2020 premiership winner with Melbourne, he has already earned 12 Origin caps and won a World Cup for Australia.

The goal now is to return the Titans to the NRL top eight and transform the club into a legitimate title threat.

"The club ... they've always supported me and I'm so grateful for that," Fa'asuamaleaui said.

"It's boosted my confidence and I just can't wait to get out there and play some football. I owe them a lot."

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