Gold Coast have been dealt a blow with in-form winger Corey Thompson sidelined for at least two months, with his ankle injury requiring surgery.
Thompson suffered a syndesmosis to his left ankle during last Friday's NRL loss to Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.
Scans revealed a multiple ligament injury and the Titans said on Monday he was looking at an extended spell on the sidelines.
"The best case scenario is an eight-week return to play," Titans' high performance manager Klint Hoare said.
Thompson has been outstanding in 2021 for the Titans, scoring seven tries in eight games and averaging 180 running metres per game.
The 30-year-old's form had some arguing the ex-Canterbury and Wests Tigers back could have been a chance at getting a call-up for Queensland in this year's State of Origin series.
His Maroons hopes have however been dashed by his injury news.
Gold Coast, who have slipped to a 3-5 record after blowing an early 22-0 lead to lose 36-28 to the Broncos, welcome back athletic backrower Tino Fa'asuamaleaui for Saturday's game against Thompson's former Tigers team.
The ex-Melbourne star missed the Titans' past two matches due to suspension.
