Queensland State of Origin aspirant David Fifita has been axed by Des Hasler as Gold Coast search for a spark in their spluttering NRL campaign.

The back-rower returned from a hamstring injury in last week's 50-18 shellacking at the hands of North Queensland that left the 14th-placed Titans 2-5 in 2025.

For most of this season, Fifita has been used as an impact player off the bench.

Hasler's decision to relegate the explosive Tongan international to the No.19 jersey for Sunday's Magic Round clash with Canterbury will reignite speculation about the forward's future.

Fifita last played Origin for the Maroons in 2023, before being a shock absentee last year.

A strong month at the Titans would have likely placed him in the frame to push for a recall for the May 28 Origin series opener at Suncorp Stadium.

Fifita's axing also looms as something of a message to Titans players, with the powerful second-rower replaced by Klese Haas after the latter was also dropped last weekend.

Fifita's axing is one of several eye-catching teamlist moves as the NRL heads to Suncorp Stadium this weekend.

Most notably, St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has lost patience with halfback Lachlan Ilias and dumped him for Lyhkan King-Togia.

Teenager King-Togia penned a new deal with the Dragons on Tuesday.

Panthers winger Brian To'o remains sidelined while the Broncos are boosted by the return of back-rower Jordan Riki.

South Sydney have shifted Jack Wighton into the spine to play alongside Jayden Sullivan as the Rabbitohs take on out-of-form Newcastle on Saturday.

In Friday's two games, Felise Kaufusi will come in for the injured Daniel Saifiti in the Dolphins' front-row to face an unchanged Sydney Roosters.

Cronulla will welcome the return of Kayal Iro in the centres as they face Parramatta.

Scott Bailey and George Clarke - AAP