Injury report: Verrills given every chance to heal hand

Injured Titans hooker Sam Verrills will be given every chance to prove his fitness ahead of Friday night's clash against the Sea Eagles at Cbus Super Stadium.

He and teammate Jojo Fifita fractured their hands in the side's Round 13 showdown against the Storm almost a fortnight ago, forcing them to miss last Saturday's Macca's Local Derby clash; but the No. 9 is pushing to be fit to help alleviate the burden of Gold Coast's growing casualty ward which currently sees nine players sidelined and unavailable.

That number doesn't include Maroons duo Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika who will also be missing due to Origin selection... but there is good news on the horizon post this week's game.

Jojo Fifita is eyeing to be back for his 50th NRL game next Sunday against the Eels; whilst David Fifita has increased his training loads following ankle surgery with the powerhouse forward expected to be available in the next fortnight.

Jaylan De Groot is also working towards a similar timeline after sustaining a hamstring strain at training a fortnight ago, whilst Harley Smith-Shields is recovering from a similar injury sustained after making his return from back surgery in the Hostplus Cup.

In further injury news, Tony Francis is hoping to be back fit and ready for selection as early as next week after failing to finish the Round 11 clash in Canberra.

Carter Gordon and Keano Kini are also continuing to progress well after their respective surgeries - hoping to return to the field in the backend of the season.