With confirmation live-wire young gun Jayden Campbell is likely to return this weekend and Brian Kelly back after a week off due to COVID protocols, Justin Holbrook has quite a selection conundrum on his hands.
The Gold Coast coach has spoken at length in the pre-season about the need to have immense depth to match and become one of the top sides and now finds himself with plenty of options, providing a very healthy headache.
There are only five spots in the backline, but yet, there are seven Titans in the mix and all worthy of selection.
Jayden Campbell
Heroically playing the last half against the Canberra Raiders with rib cartilage damage, the 22-year-old has had a formidable start to the season before injury kept him on the sidelines.
The elusive fullback is a master of being able to bust through defenders with 12 tackle breaks across his first three matches and should he be given the green light by club medicos, will be ready and raring to get back on the field and unleash his attacking prowess.
Jamayne Isaako
A solid early season recruitment from Holbrook, Isaako has taken the No. 1 jersey like a duck to water while Campbell rests his ribs.
The 25-year-old brings plenty of NRL experience to the club with the ability to play at fullback or on the wing, and has also lit it up on the International stage for the Kiwis.
Averaging 140 metres a game across his two appearances, he is more than capable of filling any role the Titans coach needs him to.
Phillip Sami
Flying Phil Sami is back to his best! Bagging five tries in four matches this season, the points-scoring machine has been electrifying in attack with 11 tackle breaks and three line breaks.
With the ability to fill any of the back five positions, he is certainly a handy player to have in the squad and has done an outstanding job in the opening month of competition.
Brian Kelly
Returning from COVID protocols, the experienced back has had a tremendous start to the 2022 season with three tries, including a double against the Eels in the season opener.
He has also been able to slip through the defensive line on several occasions with six tackle busts and two line breaks and has taken great ownership of the Titans' left centre position.
Patrick Herbert
Lining up at right centre in the first five matches this season, the 25-year-old began the new year with class, with a near-perfect match representing the Maori All Stars. He has brought similar success back to the Titans, particularly defensively last Saturday against Parramatta, involved in 12 important tackles that kept out a number of attacking raids.
Corey Thompson
A senior figure in the Titans backline, the 31-year-old overcame a fractured hand to return in Round 4 against his old club and brings plenty of experience and knowledge to the back five.
In only two matches, he's had four tackle busts and two line breaks and averages just shy of 140 metres each match.
Greg Marzhew
Set to miss out in the season opener until Thompson injured his hand, Marzhew has really cashed in on his opportunity with a number of solid performances across the opening month.
His numbers are truly incredible. Three tries, 29 tackle busts, three line breaks and average of 150 metres a game. His efforts in his first five games of the season has really given something for the Titans coach to think about.
