Sami grateful for extended Gold Coast stay

Titans winger Phil Sami says he is grateful to be able to stay on the Gold Coast for another two years and is prepared to fight for his spot amid plenty of backline competition.

The extension ties down the speedy 24-year-old until the end of 2024 but he is no certainty to be in the top 17 every week, such is the depth in Justin Holbrook's squad.

The versatile Maroons rep has played centre and fullback in his five seasons of first grade – all at the Titans – but is seen predominantly as a winger, where he played 14 of his 18 games last season.

"I'm very grateful; it's good for me and my family to stay at home," Sami said.

"Obviously I love it here, I've been here for a long time. Very grateful to be here and just want to make the most of it."

As for his spot in the side, he added: "I wasn't really trying to look too far ahead.

"I knew in the off-season if I put my head down and train hard I'd give myself the best chance to try and make the team and getting this contract here so early in the year is a blessing.

"I just need to play consistent footy this year. I'm not trying to look too far ahead, I just want to play consistent footy for Gold Coast Titans.

"It's probably the best I've felt. The off-season I was giving myself the best chance to come back in good shape. Pre-season's been more enjoyable this time around because I'm mentally stronger. It's been good.

"I feel quick, I feel healthy and fit."

While Anthony Don has retired and Jonus Pearson has been released, the club has added young wingers Alofi'ana Khan-Pereira and Sosefo Fifita to a top 30 that already includes NRL regulars Sami, Corey Thompson and Greg Marzhew.

"We've got really good depth here in the wingers," Sami said.

"We're all really close mates. At the end of the day it's competition, it's healthy competition and it's only going to benefit the club so I'm looking forward to challenging for a spot and doing my best."

Sami also reflected on being one of the few Titans players not to have been hit with COVID over the off-season.

"I think there's only seven of us that haven't got it so I'll keep my fingers crossed!" Sami said.

"I think they come back a bit slow, they said they get chest pains when they run so they come back with slower progress than the guys that didn't get COVID so they're taking it one step at a time but everyone's looking healthy and fit."