He's unlikely to have the leadership of Jamal Fogarty next to him but Ash Taylor isn't being asked to take on extra responsibility for Gold Coast against Newcastle on Saturday.
Titans coach Justin Holbrook said co-captain Fogarty is almost certain to miss the NRL clash with the Knights at CBUS Super Stadium due to the corked thigh he suffered in last week's loss to Canberra.
That will mean Taylor will make his return from a hand injury alongside 20-year-old Tanah Boyd in the halves for the hosts.
Taylor has found some of his most consistent form alongside Fogarty in the past 12 months, shedding the weight of responsibility which he struggled to handle at times during his Titans' career.
With Fogarty set to miss Saturday's clash, Holbrook insists he won't be demanding anything different from Taylor against the Knights.
"I see him just playing the same role," Holbrook said.
"Tanah is a pretty good organiser himself.
"I just want Ash to continue on the way he has played last year and a couple of games this year. I think Tanah will do a good job with that."
The Titans will also be without veteran winger Anthony Don, who picked up a hip injury in the 20-4 loss to the Raiders which left the Titans with a 2-2 record.
Centre Brian Kelly makes his return with Phillip Sami moving to the wing to replace Don.
Injury-hit Newcastle head north without Mitchell Pearce (ruptured pec) while Tex Hoy (hamstring) and Kurt Mann (concussion) are also out.
Blake Green will make his first start since round 15 last year while Kalyn Ponga is back to play his first match of the year following off-season shoulder surgery.
