Gold Coast's chances of pushing towards the top eight were always going to need their most experienced player Kieran Foran to find top form, and he has delivered in a massive way.
The 34-year-old was at his brilliant best to inspire a 28-8 win over former club Manly last week and will aim to replicate that against another of his old clubs, Parramatta, away on Sunday night.
The Titans are hopeful Queensland stars Moeaki Fotuaika and Tino F'a'asuamaleaui will back up from the 26-24 win over NSW in Perth to take their place in the team.
"Moe and Tino pulled through relatively unscathed. I will wait and see what sort of state they are in," coach Des Hasler said.
Boom back-rower David Fifita has been named as 18th man but is unlikely to play at this stage as he works his way back from ankle surgery. Fifita last played for the Titans in round eight.
"I don't think he will make it this week but he is getting close," Hasler said.
"We can afford the time and not rush that one, given the fact that we are halfway through the season … but he is going well.
"There are certain standards that you have to reach and he has just got to get fit so we can get him on the field. It is a pretty tight competition."
Foran said before and after his display against the Sea Eagles he had been displeased with his form after returning from a ruptured biceps that kept him out of the opening 10 rounds.
At his best the 307-game legend takes on the line with bravery and desire, sets up his teammates with an elite passing game and makes smart decisions while leading in an inspirational way.
He did all those things against Manly, much to the delight of Hasler who gave Foran his NRL debut at the Sea Eagles in 2009 and coached him to the 2011 title win.
"Just his experience and his voice on the field is always going to be beneficial," Hasler said.
"He had a tough start with his ruptured biceps and has built back into some games. Momentum is what we really need to build now. To get that we have got to earn that. We just need to back up last week's performance."
The Titans are in last position on 12 points, the same as Parramatta, but stringing wins together could lead to them being on the cusp of the top eight.
With Foran and fullback AJ Brimson both having their best games of the season last week there is still hope the Titans can make a run.
Titans centre Jojo Fifita is named in the centres to return from a broken hand but Hasler said he must pass a fitness test on Friday.
In other injury news, the Titans will likely get New Zealand No.1 Keano Kini back from a long-term neck injury in round 21 when they are scheduled to play the Warriors away.
