MITCH Rein’s stunning form surge in 2018 came as no surprise to the man himself, with the Titans hooker adamant his self-belief has never wavered throughout a topsy-turvy 164-game career.

Seemingly headed for the NRL scrapheap before arriving on the Gold Coast last year, Rein enjoyed a career renaissance to usurp former NSW representative Nathan Peats as the Titans’ first-choice No.9.

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The 28-year-old played just five games in his lone season at Penrith in 2017 after making 135 appearances for St George-Illawarra, but increased opportunities north of the border have finally brought out the best in him.

“I thought I was unlucky in the past. I couldn’t get a run when I finished up at Penrith and I was unlucky there I felt,” Rein said.

media_camera Gold Coast hooker Mitch Rein. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“I came up here and it didn’t surprise me (how I played) because I trained really hard in pre-season and I’ve always been confident in my ability. I know what I’m capable of, I just need to be given a chance.

“I was happy to be contributing to the team (last year) and get back out there again but I always felt like I had a lot more to offer. I just want to get fitter so I can play more minutes and do whatever the team needs me to do.

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“I’ve just got to get through pre-season first. I’ve had a couple of setbacks with a sore back and I rolled my ankle so I’ve just got to get right.”

Rein’s resurgence last year coincided with a dip in form for Peats, who was coming off the high of State of Origin honours in 2017.

media_camera Nathan Peats at Titans training. Picture: GOLD COAST TITANS

But the former expects a more fierce dual for the hooking role in 2019.

“Everyone wants to be out there in the starting team but I’ve just got to keep working hard and if I’m good enough I will be,” Rein said.

“Obviously there’s competition there, there’s competition in lots of spots but that’s just how the game is. I feel like I’ve got a pretty good combination with Ash (Taylor, halfback) but it just comes the more you train with each other and play.

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“It definitely makes our side stronger if everyone is competing for different spots so obviously (Peats and I) are competing for a spot and so are a lot of other guys in our team. That’s just how it is, that’s footy.

“I’ve done a heap of hard work now so can’t let it all come undone.”