‘I dream of putting on the PNG jersey like Dad’: Bai aiming high.

Cooper Bai with the Queensland Maroons Under-19 side (Image: NRL)

Titans rookie Cooper Bai has revealed there was never any temptation to follow in his father's footsteps and join the Storms 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 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.

Cooper Bai in gym session during Titans preseason camp (Image: Titans)

"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.

"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."