Titans brace for Thurston's response

Mar 24, 2017 - 2:27 AM As a former North Queensland coach, Neil Henry knows exactly what to expect from Johnathan Thurston after a heavy Cowboys loss.

Needless to say, Henry's Gold Coast are bracing themselves ahead of Saturday night's NRL clash with a wounded Cowboys.

The Titans should be full of confidence after overcoming horror luck with injury to upset Parramatta 26-14 last round - their season's first win.

Henry even got to scratch one off his long injury list by giving winger Daniel Vidot (groin) his Titans debut.

Ex-Sydney Roosters centre Dale Copley will also bolster a depleted backline after getting the green light to make his Gold Coast debut a week later than planned.

Yet Henry is wary of Thurston's reaction to a flat North Queensland's 30-8 last round home loss to Manly.

Henry fears the worst after watching four-time Dally M Medallist Thurston's response during his Cowboys head coach stint from 2009-13.

"He's very much a competitor and we all know that," he said.

"Normally there is a bit of resilience and determination to get back into the winners' circle (from a beaten side), that's with any team but more so with Johnathan Thurston.

"He'll come down here looking at putting in a big performance."

Gold Coast still have 11 out injured or unavailable but North Queensland have their own problems.

Besides pack leaders Matt Scott (knee) and Jason Taumalolo (ban), North Queensland lost Test centre Justin O'Neill (knee) early last round with winger Antonio Winterstein (arm) and No.1 Lachlan Coote (calf) already sidelined.

The Cowboys are also sweating on the fitness of winger Kyle Feldt (knee, ankle concerns).

Henry still believes the Titans defence will have to go up "another gear" with teenager Kalyn Ponga at fullback and speedster Gideon Gela-Mosby making his NRL debut in a reshuffled Cowboys backline.

"They are still very much a dangerous side," Henry said.

"Kalyn Ponga will be better for the run.

"I thought he did a good job at fullback (last round) and he will be very dangerous carrying the ball.

"And the guy coming in, Gideon, is really quick as well.

"We defended better last week than we previously had and we will need to bring that and another gear to get over the top of this side."

Titans recruit Chris Grevsmuhl is expected to be blooded in the second tier Queensland Cup for a fortnight with a round six NRL return pencilled in for the ex-Penrith forward.

GOLD COAST V NORTH QUEENSLAND

* Gold Coast have a 5-3 record against North Queensland at home

* The last time North Queensland won on the Gold Coast was in Round 20, 2011

* The Gold Coast have only won one of their past five clashes against North Queensland - Round four, 2014

Source: AAP