THE Titans have thrown ­Paterika Vaivai a career lifeline, signing him to a one-year deal as he continues to atone for a “mistake” he thought had cost him his NRL career.

Having shone for Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup, the bulldozing prop has signed a 2017 deal with the Gold Coast to keep his NRL dream alive.

Vaivai played six games for Newcastle across 2014 and 2015 before a costly “split-­second mistake” in October, when he was arrested in Brisbane for his alleged part in what was reported as an ­out-of-control brawl.

“It was something that I am trying to put in the past,” ­Vaivai told the Bulletin.

“Just that one split-second mistake that kind of cost me my career.”

Vaivai was never convicted but his football career was in tatters – until Burleigh handed him a lifeline.

“When I first came they welcomed me with open arms and took me on because I did have a lot of baggage when I came here and they helped me sort out all that stuff that happened last year,” he said gratefully.

“(I) am trying to put my head down and just focus on Burleigh and bringing my best to take them to the ­premiership.”

The 24-year-old still feared his NRL career was “done and dusted” but his form proved tempting for several clubs.

Gold Coast won the race, with officials having “no reservation’’ about his signing.

Titans chief operating ­officer Tony Mestrov said all players at the Titans were aware of behavioural expectations.

“Off-field behaviour is very important when signing players for the Titans, that is a major part of our recruitment process,” Mestrov said.

“Neil (head coach Neil Henry) okays all signings and Neil had no reservation, (Vaivai) has been able to demonstrate really strong behaviour.

“And every player at the Titans knows what the ­expected behaviour is moving forward.”

Vaivai is determined to repay their faith. With the ­encouragement of Bears coach Jimmy Lenihan, he has endeavoured to set an example for his young teammates.

Off the field, he says working as a landscaper this year has changed him as a person.

“It’s opened my eyes to how good I did have it just training full-time,” said ­Vaivai, who will not take his second chance for granted.

Mestrov said Vaivai’s signing showed the Titans’ commitment to the Gold Coast and their feeder clubs.

“It just shows a definite pathway there from one of our feeder affiliates to the ­Titans and you want to give those players the opportunity,” Mestrov said.

“Paterika is one of those, he came into a feeder situation looking for an opportunity. He’s obviously a big body, strong runner, played for the Knights previously and now has an opportunity.

“That cascades down to juniors and we want that ­opportunity to be also from a junior level – the 14s and 15s and upwards.”