Titans rookie Cooper Bai has revealed there was never any temptation to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the Storm as he embarks on his new NRL deal on the Gold Coast.
Graduating from the Future Titans to a full-time train-and-trial deal in his first year out of school, the talented 18-year-old is the son of former first grade flyer Marcus, who played 144 games for Melbourne between 1998 and 2003 before a three-year stint in the English Super League to end his career.
But despite his dad becoming a Storm legend as an integral part of their maiden premiership, Bai only had his eyes on continuing his journey with the Titans – which will still allow him to replicate parts of his old man’s career which began at the Gold Coast Chargers.
“The Gold Coast has always been home,” he told titans.com.au.
“I’ve come up through the pathways since I was young, so I’ve always wanted to be here and be a part of the great culture the club continues to build.
“Dad originally started off here with the Chargers so it’s always been the goal to continue my journey here with the Gold Coast Titans.”
Now four weeks into his first pre-season at Parkwood, the Under 19 Queensland forward has admitted the sessions have been a big step up to the training he’s previously experienced at Marymount College or even with the Future Titans, but has had a number of senior players help him adjust to life in the NRL.
“It’s been a big change from school training and club rugby league, but it’s been a really good experience so far,” Bai said.
“Meeting all the boys and the coaches and put 100 percent effort in each day has been an amazing experience.
“Tino has always been one for me [helping me out], just being a middle as well.
“JJ (Jaimin Jolliffe) has been really big in doing extra stuff with me as well, and teaching me a few things as I settle in here.
“Des really pushes us to our limits to get the best out of us, but we know that’s what needs to be done to get that premiership and he’s the coach that’ll make that happen.”
Happy to bide his time at Titans HQ as he adjusts to being regularly part of a NRL system, Bai is aiming to avenge his 2024 Mal Meninga Cup grand final loss next season, which he hopes will lead to a Q Cup berth.
“For 2025, I’m looking to have a really good Mal Meninga Cup season and hopefully get a crack at the Hostplus Cup to be able to play with the older boys there and get a feel for it,” he said.
“It’s also always been a dream of mine to put on that PNG jersey one day just like dad, so that’s a massive goal I’m constantly working towards as well.”
