Cooper Bai Credits Tino Fa’asuamaleaui for Staying with the Gold Coast Titans
Cooper Bai, one of the most promising forwards on the Gold Coast, has openly acknowledged the significant role that club co-captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui played in his decision to re-sign with the Titans. The young player, who is 19 years old and a Papua New Guinea international, chose to turn down an offer from Melbourne to extend his contract until the end of 2027. This decision came just one day after Fa’asuamaleaui committed to the club until at least 2030.
Bai highlighted that the leadership and ethos of Fa’asuamaleaui were key factors in his choice. “That was a big part of me staying … and my own personal beliefs. Tino has been massive for this club,” Bai said. He added that Fa’asuamaleaui’s influence as a captain and his efforts to keep the club together and moving forward were instrumental in his decision.
Bai also reached out to Fa’asuamaleaui following the recent death of his father, offering support during a difficult time. “I am here for him, as is everyone else here at the club,” Bai said. Meanwhile, Fa’asuamaleaui, after grieving and supporting his family, returned to the Queensland camp to play in the second game of the State of Origin series at the MCG. However, he admitted to being critical of his own form at the start of the season.
At that time, Fa’asuamaleaui was spending time in Gympie with his family while still leading the club. “He’s been one of the best leaders I’ve been under,” Bai said. “For him to go and see his dad so often and be there for his family 24/7 and here for us 24/7 shows his character and who he is. He is a really good dude willing to put everything before himself.”
Bai also defended Fa’asuamaleaui against criticism regarding his performance. “When people were getting up him for his numbers not being too high, we were just playing to our system. He was playing really good footy. We continue to back him. He’s been playing Origin again and I don’t believe he has been out of form at all.”
Bai has found his groove this season and has been elevated to start after beginning the year on the bench. He will take the field as a lock against Penrith at Robina on Saturday afternoon. “I’ve been loving starting,” Bai said. “I like the role and the trust I have from Josh to start and get that first impact in the game.”
Fa’asuamaleaui is looking forward to having Bai by his side during the challenging days ahead. The Test prop went out of his way to create a path for Bai to follow. “When I got back from the Ashes I pulled Cooper aside and said, ‘what’s going on?’ I spoke to him about my situation and where I was at,” Fa’asuamaleaui told AAP. “He vented to me about where his head was at and then we caught up a few times. I guess he was just waiting to see what I was doing. I’m glad he stayed because he is the future of the Titans.”
