Tweet
Veteran Gold Coast Titans pivot Mat Rogers is set to suit up against St George Illawarra after overcoming a wrist injury suffered in his side's season opener.
Rogers will travel with an 18-man Titans squad and is expected to train Friday afternoon at the University of Wollongong alongside halves partner Scott Prince.
His inclusion is a major boost to a Titans outfit without a win in four NRL outings against the Dragons and looking to become the first Gold Coast team since the Seagulls in 1989 to claim a scalp at WIN Stadium.
Prop Brad Meyers (knee) and Preston Campbell (calf) have also been cleared to play, with ex-Dragon Michael Henderson expected to sit out as 18th man against his former club.
Recruit Will Zillman and Maroons Origin star Ashley Harrison have spent time at pivot as potential back-up options for Rogers.
But the 33-year-old has overcome wrist soreness and is expected to play despite still carrying a dodgy finger from the Newcastle clash.
Milestone man Luke Bailey, who will play his 150th NRL game against his former club, has warned his teammates to expect a tougher assignment than the round 1 clash on home turf.
"Throughout the game, when we had it won, I was thinking it's going to be a lot tougher next week," Bailey said.
"With the ill-discipline we had in the first 20 minutes, it's going to be a tough game for us.
"We need to improve."
Rogers praised his side's composure after their come-from-behind win over the Knights and declared a similar mindset would be needed in Wollongong.
"To the boys' credit we stayed in the game (against Newcastle) and clawed our way back," Rogers said.
"The game plan never changed from when we were down 14-0.
"Our focus was still on the things we'd talked about."
In Townsville, strike centre Willie Tonga has been ruled out of Saturday night's game against Wests Tigers because of a groin problem.
Returning from shoulder surgery, John Williams is set to come into the backline but who partners Ash Graham in the centres is yet to be finalised.
"There are a few options there," North Queensland football manager Dean Lance said.
"Ty Williams can shift to centre and we also have the option of moving Ben Harris from the back row and bringing James Tamou on to the bench.
"The coach will make those decisions on Saturday."
After having a dangerous-contact charge downgraded at the league judiciary on Wednesday night, Manase Manuokafoa will come into the back row with Scott Bolton reverting to the bench.
Rogers will travel with an 18-man Titans squad and is expected to train Friday afternoon at the University of Wollongong alongside halves partner Scott Prince.
His inclusion is a major boost to a Titans outfit without a win in four NRL outings against the Dragons and looking to become the first Gold Coast team since the Seagulls in 1989 to claim a scalp at WIN Stadium.
Prop Brad Meyers (knee) and Preston Campbell (calf) have also been cleared to play, with ex-Dragon Michael Henderson expected to sit out as 18th man against his former club.
Recruit Will Zillman and Maroons Origin star Ashley Harrison have spent time at pivot as potential back-up options for Rogers.
But the 33-year-old has overcome wrist soreness and is expected to play despite still carrying a dodgy finger from the Newcastle clash.
Milestone man Luke Bailey, who will play his 150th NRL game against his former club, has warned his teammates to expect a tougher assignment than the round 1 clash on home turf.
"Throughout the game, when we had it won, I was thinking it's going to be a lot tougher next week," Bailey said.
"With the ill-discipline we had in the first 20 minutes, it's going to be a tough game for us.
"We need to improve."
Rogers praised his side's composure after their come-from-behind win over the Knights and declared a similar mindset would be needed in Wollongong.
"To the boys' credit we stayed in the game (against Newcastle) and clawed our way back," Rogers said.
"The game plan never changed from when we were down 14-0.
"Our focus was still on the things we'd talked about."
In Townsville, strike centre Willie Tonga has been ruled out of Saturday night's game against Wests Tigers because of a groin problem.
Returning from shoulder surgery, John Williams is set to come into the backline but who partners Ash Graham in the centres is yet to be finalised.
"There are a few options there," North Queensland football manager Dean Lance said.
"Ty Williams can shift to centre and we also have the option of moving Ben Harris from the back row and bringing James Tamou on to the bench.
"The coach will make those decisions on Saturday."
After having a dangerous-contact charge downgraded at the league judiciary on Wednesday night, Manase Manuokafoa will come into the back row with Scott Bolton reverting to the bench.