Jayden Campbell has been sidelined from the start of Gold Coast's Josh Hannay era with a hamstring injury that clears Lachlan Ilias for a club debut at halfback.
The Titans will take a cautious approach with playmaker Campbell, their most electric attacking player, who is expected to miss between two and four weeks.
It means the 26-year-old will sit out from at least Saturday's clash against Cronulla, where Hannay previously served as an assistant coach, and the Dolphins.
The injury thrusts Ilias into the No.7 jersey as he fights for NRL redemption following a failed stint with St George Illawarra.
The Dragons released Ilias one season into a two-year deal after he fell behind Kyle Flanagan, Daniel Atkinson and Lyhkan King-Togia in the halves pecking order for 2026.
Ilias had previously been earmarked as South Sydney's successor to premiership halfback Adam Reynolds, but was also released by the Rabbitohs for 2025.
Australian Associated Press
