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

Murray WenzelAAP
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.

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"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."

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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