Journeymen Dale Copley and Daniel Vidot are viewing their call-up to an injury-depleted Gold Coast side to take on North Queensland on Saturday as a shot at finding an NRL home.
The start of the 2017 season has been a battlefield for the Titans, whose available roster is missing nine regulars.
Jarryd Hayne, Nathan Peats, Will Zillman Tyrone Roberts, Dan Sarginson, John Olive, Karl Lawton, Anthony Don and Pat Politini have all been struck down by injury, leaving coach Neil Henry some tough decisions about who should fill in where.
The toll has opened the door for young players and travellers like Copley and Vidot, who are seeing it as an opportunity to cement places.
Vidot has returned to Australia after a stint with Salford in the UK. He missed the start of the season with a groin injury and says he's itching to get back on the field.
"I can't wait to get back out there with the boys, its been pretty tough being on the sidelines watching them play," the strapping three-quarter said on Wednesday.
"I finally get my opportunity and to go all guns blazing on Saturday night".
Copley will debut for the Titans - his third club in as many seasons - after being blocked by from playing by the NRL last week following his last-minute arrival from the Sydney Roosters.
He's happy to return to Queensland and said he wants to use the opportunity back in his home state to nail down a regular spot.
"I'm keen to get a full year under my belt, obviously the last two years have been really injury disrupted," he said.
Meanwhile, rising playmaker Ash Taylor is upbeat about the toughest test of his fledgling career - going head to head with Johnathan Thurston.
Taylor will shape up against his recent Indigenous All Stars teammate at Robina but says it will be a 13-man job to shut down the Cowboys' captain.
"I'm just going to give my best again," the 22-year-old said.
"He's the ultimate competitor and that's what it's going to take from me and the rest of boys ... to try and stop him and get the job done."
Share
