Titans talent relishing chance to teach next generation

Gold Coast Titans youngster Sienna Lofipo admits it was a little strange at first to go back to school. 

A Marsden State High School graduate who has emerged as a future star for both the Titans and Maroons, the 21-year-old returned to where it all began to work as a teacher's aide. 

While many youngsters can't get out of school quick enough, Lofipo has relished the opportunity to give back to the next generation. 

So much so, the promising forward has started a teaching degree as she looks to lay the foundation for life after football.

"It's really rewarding because I went to that school," Lofipo told 42025.com. "I get to give back and help the girls get through the pathways that I recently came through. 

"I love being back there and I've actually just started a teaching degree. Hopefully I can get back into the teaching and coaching space because I love giving back. It's awesome to see the pathways and how much it's grown over the past few years for the girls."

Lofipo has long been viewed as a future star and played for the Australian Schoolgirls while a student at Marsden State High School. 

The physical forward progressed through the Future Titans pathway on the way to an NRLW debut in 2023. A Queensland State of Origin call up followed in 2024, while she has also played four Tests for Samoa.

Lofipo is one of a large group of Gold Coast players who work as a teacher's aide alongside their football responsibilities, with fellow Samoan international Sarina Masaga among the crop. 

The forward's path to teaching has been inspired by her older sister Jayda, who is also a member of the Titans squad and studying teaching. 

"It can be a bit hectic at times juggling football and work," Lofipo said. "I'm getting used to it and it's hard starting uni but I've got a good support network around me. 

"Jayda currently does footy, teaching and her degree so I've got her to lean on and help me out."