The exit of Gold Coast forward David Fifita next year is not all doom and gloom, with the perennial NRL battlers set to have $1 million to spend on a key player.
Coach Des Hasler expects the boom back-rower to perform on Sunday in the home clash with North Queensland, despite the 24-year-old Queensland representative electing to join Sydney Roosters next year on a four-year deal.
As for next season, it gives the club the opportunity to target a game-changer, most likely in the halves.
"That is what recruitment is about," Hasler said when asked how Fifita's absence would impact his list.
Former Titans recruitment chief Scott Sattler said it gave the club scope to recruit.
"It means they have a lot of money to throw into a key position like half/five-eighth when Kieran Foran moves on, so from a salary cap point of view it is a position they will be very comfortable being in," Sattler told AAP.
"They have a fair bit of money to work with for next year and I know there is no one of significance coming off contract, but anyone can be enticed. For the Titans it means they have money to spend."
In the meantime the Titans will be relying on Fifita to shine as they try to work their way up from the bottom of the ladder.
"Is he playing on the weekend? Of course he will and he will play well," Hasler said.
"He’s been in good form. He had (a pectoral) injury early in the season, but his last month has been very good."
The Titans have lost three of their past four games by six points or less and had a gritty 27-24 win over the Warriors.
"The club is growing. So far this year the results probably don’t lean towards that, but ... there is something happening here. We will continue on that path," Hasler said.
The Cowboys are in a form slump after losing their past four matches.
Prop Jordan McLean has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. His place in the 17 will be taken by former Canterbury forward Harrison Edwards, who makes his club debut.
