NRL: Prince has his palace guards

Scott Prince of the Titans looks to pass the ball during the last clash with the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images

If the Warriors want to target Scott Prince's dickie shoulder tonight they'll first have to get past the familiar figure of Clinton Toopi, the former Mt Smart favourite who has been designated as Prince's bodyguard.

"Toops has taken that role," quipped Prince when asked if he would have a protector to help ease his defensive burden. "I'll be playing Whitney Houston [tonight] and he'll be playing Kevin Costner."

Prince's shoulder has been the subject of intense speculation since he damaged his AC joint in last week's victory over the Tigers. He trained freely yesterday but admitted he'll need a pre-match pain-killing injection to get through the match.

"I certainly have to have a needle. There is no hiding that fact. But it has pulled up okay. I was very surprised. I thought it would be a lot worse than it was on Saturday and Sunday. And even over the last 24 hours it has really improved.

"I took a lot out of last week, being able to play the second half, getting through the game and winning. If I felt I was a liability I wouldn't put my teammates through that."

Prince isn't the only Titan playing hurt. Prop Luke Bailey had surgery on a broken thumb just nine days ago, while centre Steve Michaels (shoulder), Mat Rogers (hip) and Brad Meyers (ribs) are all carrying injuries.

All are expected to play, with fullback Preston Campbell the only pullout after failing a fitness test on his hamstring. "I guess it is just part and parcel of footy, especially at this time of year," Prince said. "These games you don't want to miss. You'll play with the pain and do whatever it takes to take the field."

Campbell's absence will be a blow but Prince doesn't expect it to be fatal.

"We are quite happy with the team we have. It has done the job for us before so nothing changes from our point of view. We have got some goals and plans in place and if we meet those they certainly go a long way to winning the game."

Prince also discounted the notion the five straight wins his side have peeled off against the Warriors would give them a crucial mental edge.

"Not at all. What happens in the past stays in the past. It is a new season from here. And they have got a mountain of support on the Gold Coast so it will be a home away from home for them. We'll certainly have to be on our game to win."