Melbourne could trade one big body for another with former Test prop Sam Kasiano poised for a return to the NRL after finally overcoming a knee injury.
Giant forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona is sidelined until finals due to a serious ankle injury, however, Kasiano is back in the mix for Saturday's clash with Gold Coast.
The former Bulldogs front-rower hasn't played in the top grade since round 15 due to a knee injury with fellow prop Christian Welch welcoming his timely comeback.
Kasiano has been named in Melbourne's extended squad with coach Craig Bellamy keen to get some minutes into him before next month's finals.
"It's a blessing to have a bloke like Sam Kasiano coming back from injury, who we can call upon," Welch said.
"He's obviously played a lot of NRL and a lot of finals footy so he's a great addition for us."
Joining Asofa-Solomona on the sidelines through injury will be winger Suliasi Vunivalu and back-up hooker Brandon Smith while Test centre Will Chambers is banned for three games for a crusher tackle.
Skipper Cameron Smith is set to play despite suffering a back injury.
Welch said the defending premiers had dealt with plenty of injury-enforced changes as well as losing players to Origin and felt they had built resilience.
"It's been the story this year with various injuries and the whole mentality is using our depth within our squad," Welch said.
"The guys who have been playing state cup have been playing really well, so when we've had injuries they've done a good job for us and it should be the same against the Gold Coast."
Melbourne aren't expecting the trip north to be any kind of holiday, with the Titans showing some good form in their win over Manly last week.
"We played at Brookvale not too long ago and we really struggled to grind out a tough win so we know how hard that road trip is," Welch said.
"They've got Origin players and some really promising attacking young players like Ash Taylor and Alex Brimson so we're under no illusions."
