'Haven't decided yet': Trials shootout set to determine key positions

The battle for key positions in the Titans' top 17 is set to come down to the two upcoming trial matches according to Justin Holbrook.

The Titans coach has confirmed the highly-anticipated announcement on the Gold Coast spine for Round 1 and beyond will come after the NRL's pre-season challenge, which will consist of games against the Broncos and Dolphins in mid-February.

Whilst it has been suggested Tanah Boyd is the front runner to retain the coveted No. 7 jersey ahead of fellow young playmaker Toby Sexton, the decision will be left until after the duo have the chance to show why they deserve to start alongside new recruit Kieran Foran in the season opener.

"All along, we haven't decided on [our spine] yet," Holbrook confirmed.

"We finished the year with Tanah there really well and Toby's having a terrific pre-season... it's similar in the outside backs.

"This is what we've got the trial games for and we'll see how it goes from there.We haven't got anything completely locked in yet.

"We're going to have options and we're going to need them."

The addition of Treymain Spry to the Titans' roster has given the mentor a further selection dilemma to consider during the trials, with the inclusion of the excitement machine further bolstering the outside backs - especially with Patrick Herbert's ACL recovery and Brian Kelly's suspension for the first three matches.

"We need [the depth], Holbrook said.

"It is terrific to get Treymain back fully fit and competing for a spot because he's a very valuable player to our squad.

"With Schouppy (Aaron Schoupp) joining us as well, there's some good competition in the outside backs."

Ahead of final preparations for the first pre-season trial in just over a fortnight, the squad will call the Sunshine Coast home for the next three days to help bring the squad closer together now with everyone back.

"There will be nothing different... we're just going to train there as normal, but it's just good to get away as a group for a few days," Holbrook said.

"We've got a few new players and it'll be good to spend time together with people outside of the training environment. 

"Obviously, we're here a lot (at Parkwood), but it'll just be good to have dinner together and things like that.

"It's a good time for us now with the World Cup guys only joining us after Christmas to get a few days with them together."