David Fifita says he's immune to the constant critiques of his play and is relaxed after turning down other offers and extending his time on the Gold Coast.
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With the club's blessing, the enigmatic backrower broke news of his three-year extension late on Monday night.
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters was interested in a Fifita return to Red Hill, while Canberra were also pursuing the damaging ball-runner.
But the 23-year-old will remain at Parkwood, joining skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, fellow back-rower Beau Fermor and fullback AJ Brimson on contract until the end of 2026.
He was originally lured on a deal worth around $1 million a season but acknowledged he'll be taking less to remain at the club, which is just up the road from where he went to school at famed league nursery Keebra Park High.
"I want to repay the faith to my club and teammates and everyone who believed in me and the player I want to be," Fifita told reporters on Tuesday.
"We've a young forward group, all around the same age, all tight, that want to build.
"They were all waiting on me and now I've done it, let's go.
"We've got the crew; we want to win games and be together for the long years ahead."
Fifita's big-money deal made him an easy target at a club that's struggled since his arrival in 2021.
But a strong pre-season and a man-of-the-match showing in the Titans' round one defeat of Wests Tigers has given Fifita confidence.
"I'm used to it you know; everyone talks and has their own opinions but I just want to play footy and try to win every week I go out there," he said.
"It's (the criticism) always there wherever you go or play but I feel relaxed and I can just work now instead of everyone asking me what am I doing."
Fifita praised the leadership of recruited halfback Kieran Foran, with whom he linked so impressively at short notice after regular left-side backrower Fermor's injury forced a positional switch.
Foran (knee) has been named to play against St George Illawarra despite hobbling off in the second half of the victory over the Tigers and Fifita hopes he'll resume their blossoming partnership.
"It's what I need, someone telling me what to do and Foz does that, really gets into me," Fifita said of his influence.
"It's good to play alongside him; I only had one session alongside him and we clicked just like that."
Australian Associated Press
