Jayden Campbell will return from a long-term injury for a Gold Coast side missing their inspirational leader and in need of some spark after an “embarrassing” start to the Des Hasler era.
The Titans are 0-2, beaten by Canterbury and St George Illawarra by a combined total of 60-4 in their opening two NRL rounds under the veteran coach.
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A season-ending knee injury to captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui on the weekend compounded issues.
But livewire fullback Campbell’s return to face the Dolphins on Saturday has provided some cause for optimism at Parkwood.
He’ll play NRL for the first time since dislocating his patella six months ago, while Joe Stimson comes into the side for Fa’asuamaleaui.
Halfback Tanah Boyd has been retained after his Bulldogs horror show while Kieran Foran will captain the side and David Fifita (pectoral) has been named on an extended bench for the first time this season.
“He’s such a good player. We’ve missed him,” hooker Sam Verrills said of Campbell.
“His IQ on footy is one of the greatest; he’s screaming, very vocal and what we need at the moment.
“He’s elusive, takes on the short sides, has got that tough carry in him. I can’t wait to get him back.”
Verrills didn’t understate Fa’asuamaleaui’s absence or the side’s current predicament.
“When you lose a player like Tino; your captain, leader probably your best player in the team it’s pretty devastating,” he said.
“We have to turn it around, there’s no other way around it … it’s been pretty embarrassing.
“Playing footy like that, it’s unacceptable. The reviews have been tough but what we need.”
Keenan Palasia will start in the No.10 jersey while Stimson will come onto the bench.
“I did mine back in 2020 and know what he’s going through,” Verrills said of Fa’asuamaleaui’s anterior cruciate ligament tear.
“It’s a long process ahead of him and as a mate I’ll be there to help him along the way.
“But it’s a tough one, losing ‘T’ is massive.”