Coach John Cartwright says the Gold Coast's horror run of injuries may be tempered by the return of Albert Kelly and Luke Bailey next week as their final hopes still sit firmly in their own hands.
Utility Luke O'Dwyer joined centre Jamal Idris on the club's long term injury list after he was carried off against North Queensland on Saturday, with scans to confirm if the 30-year-old has been forced into early retirement with an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Another injury scare had already gone through the team after captain Greg Bird was carried off with a back injury, but team doctors were hopeful it was just a spasm and he would be ready to play the New Zealand Warriors at home on Saturday.
But with fullback William Zillman and hooker Matt Srama making their return in the 22-10 loss to the Cowboys, Cartwright said the return of Kelly and former Origin and Test prop Luke Bailey could be consolation for the loss of O'Dwyer.
Earlier this month it appeared Bailey's career was over on 249 games after a serious ankle injury, while five-eighth Kelly was also in doubt for a return this season after serious bruising on his sternum.
"It's (finals destiny)still in our own hands and I knew that coming up here (to Townsville)," Cartwright said.
"We're getting some fresh troops at a really important time."
The Titans mentor said his fears were realised with a slow start against the Cowboys, saying the five day turnaround from Monday's win over the Canterbury Bulldogs had hurt them.
But they can't afford that type of start if they are wanting to keep their spot at eighth.
The Gold Coast's run gets even harder in the final two weeks, playing away to leaders Sydney Roosters and defending premiers Melbourne Storm.
Prop Nate Myles said the injury toll didn't excuse the loss against the Cowboys, with plenty of chances still left to win the match. He said they didn't deserve to be playing finals football this year if they couldn't produce 80 minute performances.
"I think it's probably a good test for us," Myles said.
"If we're not competing with sides like the Roosters and Melbourne, which to be honest we shouldn't even be talking about because we've still got the Warriors next week.
"In saying that the Warriors when they're on they're one of the best to play against.
"If we're not competing with those three teams and if we lose we don't really deserve to be in the finals."
