Gold Coast coach Neil Henry has lost patience with underperforming star Dave Taylor, dropping the forward for Friday's NRL derby against Brisbane.
Taylor was one of several players cut by the Titans for the clash with the table-topping Broncos following last weekend's insipid 30-2 defeat to Newcastle.
It means the 27-year-old could have played his last game for the club, given he's reportedly being shopped around by the Titans despite having a year left to run on his contract.
Henry denies Taylor no longer has a future at the club but it's clear the former Queensland and Australia representative has to prove himself.
"We've persevered a little bit there but I think the workrate hasn't been there, the workrate in the game, and certainly his defensive efforts need improving," he said.
"It just leaves Dave finding some form. That's what he needs to do. We know what he can do but he needs to go to Queensland Cup and he should show he's above that competition and I expect him to do that.
"It's a bit of a kick in the backside for him."
The Titans have named five-eighth Aidan Sezer after a month on the sidelines with a torn hamstring.
Sezer will be returning to the ground where he tore a pectoral muscle last year.
The 24-year-old said he was looking forward to resuming his blossoming partnership with rookie halfback Kane Elgey, who made his own return from injury last week.
"That's probably one of the major factors in why our form has dipped," Sezer said.
"Me and Elge were going along pretty nicely there and injuries sort of stunted our progression. It'll be good to get back on the field out there with him."
Henry has also dropped winger Anthony Don with Kevin Gordon to replace him for the Friday night clash.
Former Bronco David Hala has been named 18th man and could play what would be his first NRL match since joining the Titans at the end of last year.
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