Welch’s Words Boost Titans Skipper Tino in ACL Rehab Gold Coast Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has received a timely boost in his recovery from a season-ending ACL injury, thanks to words of support from legendary former Titans skipper Greg Welch. Welch, who captained the Titans from their foundation year in 2007 to 2011, reached out to Fa’asuamaleaui after the young forward suffered the devastating injury in April. “I just wanted to let him know that I’ve been there, and I understand what he’s going through,” said Welch, who also experienced an ACL injury during his playing career. “I told him that it’s a tough road, but it’s one that he can get through with hard work and determination. I also emphasized the importance of having a positive mindset and surrounding himself with good people.” Fa’asuamaleaui was grateful for Welch’s words of encouragement. “It meant a lot to me to hear from someone who has been there and understands what I’m going through,” said Fa’asuamaleaui. “It gave me a lot of confidence and motivation.” The 22-year-old is currently in the early stages of his rehabilitation and is expected to miss the entire 2023 NRL season. However, he is determined to return stronger than ever. “I’m working hard every day to get back on the field as soon as possible,” said Fa’asuamaleaui. “I’m not going to let this injury define me. I’m going to come back even better.” Welch believes that Fa’asuamaleaui has the character and resilience to overcome this adversity. “Tino is a tough kid with a great attitude,” said Welch. “He’s got all the tools to be a great player, and I’m confident that he’ll come back from this stronger than ever.”Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, the Gold Coast Titans skipper, has received invaluable advice from Melbourne Storm prop Christian Welch following his season-ending knee injury.Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, the Gold Coast Titans skipper, has received invaluable advice from Melbourne Storm prop Christian Welch following his season-ending knee injury. Welch, who has overcome two ACL tears and an Achilles tendon rupture, shared a lengthy message with Fa’asuamaleaui, providing insights and guidance on the recovery process. The 24-year-old Titan said that Welch’s advice has given him confidence in his ability to return to his best form. “Christian Welch has been through a few (knee injuries) and he sent me a massive paragraph,” Fa’asuamaleaui said. “It was about two pages long. There was advice about things that he went through and they definitely helped.” Fa’asuamaleaui’s injury occurred during a round three match against Canterbury, and he is expected to be back on the field for the Titans next season. In addition to Welch’s support, Fa’asuamaleaui has received messages of encouragement from other players who have experienced similar injuries, including Taylan May and Angus Bell. “When I first got injured a lot of boys I never thought I would message me a lot of tips and it has opened a whole new world for me, as a player that never had a massive injury,” Fa’asuamaleaui said. Fa’asuamaleaui is confident that he will return stronger than ever before. “I am backing myself,” he said. “I get to work on my body the next 10 months and I have never had that before. I feel like I am going to be bigger and better. It is exciting.”Gold Coast captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui says words of support from Queensland coach Billy Slater have buoyed his recovery from an ACL injury. The Titans skipper attended the Maroons’ State of Origin I camp on Sunday where he caught up with Slater and other members of the coaching and support staff. Fa’asuamaleaui is set to miss the entire 2023 season after rupturing his ACL in January, just weeks after helping the Titans defeat the Broncos in a pre-season trial. The injury was a major blow for both Fa’asuamaleaui and the Titans, with the 23-year-old considered one of the NRL’s brightest young talents. But Fa’asuamaleaui said Slater’s visit had given him a much-needed boost. “It was good to see Billy and the boys,” Fa’asuamaleaui said. “Billy just said to keep my head up and that he’s there if I need anything. “It’s always good to hear from someone like Billy, especially when you’re going through a tough time. “He’s a legend of the game and he’s been through a lot himself, so it means a lot to know that he’s got my back.” Fa’asuamaleaui said he is making good progress in his recovery and is on track to return to full training in time for the 2024 season. “I’m feeling good,” he said. “I’m still doing a lot of rehab, but I’m starting to get back into some running and weights. “I’m just taking it one day at a time and I’m confident I’ll be back to my best next year.” Fa’asuamaleaui’s injury is a major blow for the Titans, who are hoping to improve on their 13th-placed finish in 2022. But the Titans are confident they have the depth to cover Fa’asuamaleaui’s absence, with David Fifita, Beau Fermor and Sam Verrills all capable of playing in the front row. The Titans will start their 2023 campaign against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on March 5.