Ryan James is cutting it fine to be fit for Gold Coast's NRL opener next week, with the injured captain a notable omission from a near full-strength side to play Brisbane in Saturday's trial.
The NSW Origin hopeful ran freely on Wednesday for the first time since injuring his knee a month ago but says he should be fit for the Titans' March 17 round one clash with Canberra.
He and forward Keegan Hipgrave (hamstring) were the only omissions from Garth Brennan's 24-strong squad to play the Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium.
Speculation over where Brennan will play Tyrone Peachey appears over after the NSW utility was named in the centres alongside Manly recruit Brian Kelly.
Peachey and fellow recruit, ex-Test forward Shannon Boyd, will play their first game in Titans colours.
Instead of Peachey, the returning Tyrone Roberts has reclaimed the No.6 jersey and will partner his good mate Ashley Taylor in the halves.
Another halves contender - AJ Brimson - returns from a shoulder reconstruction on an extended bench while Michael Gordon will start at fullback.
Phillip Sami and Brenko Lee have been named on the wings, with veteran backs Dale Copley and Anthony Don relegated to the extended bench alongside Melbourne recruit Ryley Jacks.
Giant ex-Canberra forward Boyd will partner Queensland prop Jarrod Wallace in a monster Titans front-row.
After a mixed performance against North Queensland last weekend, Bryce Cartwright has retained his starting spot in the backrow to partner Kevin Proctor while Jai Arrow will start at lock.
James is likely to split his time between the front and back row this season, confident the addition of Boyd will allow him to bolster the side's fragile edge defence.
Brennan had similar plans for James last year, but was unable to carry them out after the Titans' middle defence was consistently exposed in the first few games of the season.
"It's been a long time since you've looked at the squad and you've got over 25 genuine first grade players," James said on Wednesday of the side's improved depth.
Gold Coast's premiership opener against Canberra falls three days after the six-week rest period James said he needed.
"It is a bit of a race against the clock but seems to be perfect timing," he said.
"I'll just have to back my previous fitness to get through it."
