Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook hopes a fit and firing AJ Brimson can be the spark to ignite the Titans when they face the Canberra Raiders tomorrow.
The Titans head to Canberra on Saturday for a clash with the Raiders as both teams look to keep in touch with the finals.
Both clubs were hopeful of a big year in 2021 but find themselves outside the eight with just nine matches left.
Gold Coast have lost four straight, including a remarkable capitulation last time out against Manly where they slumped to a 56-24 defeat at home despite holding a 24-8 lead at the halftime.
But Brimson’s return from a knee injury has Holbrook hopeful of a late season charge.
“To have AJ back, it’s been obvious for everyone to see how big a role fullbacks are playing in the sides that are doing really well, so to have AJ back is a huge boost,” Holbrook said.
The Titans also welcome back winger Corey Thompson from an ankle injury that has sidelined him since round eight while Kevin Proctor (suspension), Beau Fermor (hamstring) and Sam Lisone (pectoral) add some starch in the forwards.
Origin trio Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, David Fifita and Moeaki Fotuaika have also been given the all-clear for the 13th-placed Titans.
Canberra, grand finalists less than two years ago, have only beaten bottom two Brisbane and Canterbury in their past 10 matches and lie 10th on the ladder.
The Raiders, who have won their past five against the Titans, are however boosted by the return of co-captain Jarrod Croker (knee) for the first time since round seven and will have Origin stars Josh Papalii and Jack Wighton available.
Coach Ricky Stuart said while there’s no doubt 2021 has not panned out the way his team would have hoped, he’s mindful a surge in the final weeks of the year can transform their outlook.
“Every game is so important and you don’t have to promote it to the players because they know,” Stuart said.
“Every team that’s hanging around that 12th spot to I think sixth on the table, everyone understands how important each two points is now and we’re no different.
“Fortunately the top teams are beating everybody else and that’s creating a real congestion amongst that part of the table I described.”
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