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GOLD COAST - Gold Coast Titans star Mat Rogers has been ruled out of Saturday night's National Rugby League match with the Warriors in Auckland due to a troublesome knee injury.
Utility Luke O'Dwyer will shift from the forwards into the centres to replace Rogers while former Super 14 rugby player Josh Graham will cover lock.
Titans coach John Cartwright said he did not want to risk dual international Rogers in the slippery conditions at Mount Smart Stadium.
"If it was a grand final he'd probably play but it's going to be wet and greasy over there and not a game that would suit him," Cartwright said.
"Regardless of what happens in New Zealand we have to beat the Roosters (at Carrara on Saturday week) so we're not putting all our eggs in the one basket yet.
"We have to win three out of four (to make the NRL finals) so we'll go over there and do a job with the guys that we've got."
Coincidentally, Rogers fractured his patella during Gold Coast's 22-6 loss to the Warriors six weeks ago at Carrara but returned earlier than expected to help the Titans out of a form slump.
Cartwright said the Titans held a slight advantage in that the Warriors would know little about Graham, who played rugby for the Western Force last year following a stint with Melbourne Storm.
"He'll go over there and surprise a few," Cartwright added.
"I've been really pleased with him considering his limited time in rugby league. I think he's got a huge future."
- AAP
