Dual international Mat Rogers has declared himself fit and raring to go in a boost to Gold Coast's hopes of staying high on the NRL ladder.
Titans five-eighth Rogers hasn't played for two weeks due to a rib cartilage injury but believes he'll be a certain starter against the New
Zealand Warriors on Saturday at Skilled Park.
The former Wallabies utility back sustained the injury in the final minutes of the Titans' thrilling 28-24 victory over St George Illawarra, forcing him to miss their last game against the Roosters in Gosford nine days ago.
"I probably could have played at a pinch if we played at the weekend, but having the bye has benefited me," Rogers said on Monday.
"I'll be right to go on the weekend."
Titans coach John Cartwright was more cautious, saying Rogers would be assessed later in the week but it appears he will be named in the side on Tuesday, forcing a backline reshuffle.
Preston Campbell would likely move back to fullback with William Zillman forced to the bench for the Titans, who share the NRL lead with St George Illawarra and the Bulldogs.
Rogers sat out contact work in a tough Monday training session, the club's first hit-out after a six-day mid-season break.
Injured NSW prop Luke Bailey didn't train at all but remains hopeful of returning from a small crack in his arm after having it assessed by the club doctor.
While the Titans are joint competition leaders with the Dragons and Bulldogs, Rogers said they were on guard for a major challenge from the 11th-placed Warriors.
The NZ outfit thumped the Titans 34-12 in a pre-season trial in Lismore and showed they were starting to rediscover their highly-physical game with an upset last-start win over Newcastle.
"They're big, strong and fast so it's going to be a tough game," Rogers said.
"They've started to find a bit of form, beating Newcastle last game, so I expect they'll run out with a similar side trying to outmuscle us."
- AAP
