Locked in: Hannay backs Campbell's replacement to prosper in Titans debut
Titans coach Josh Hannay is backing Lachlan Ilias to flourish in his Gold Coast debut wearing the No. 7 against the Sharks on Saturday.
One of at least four players who will wear the club's colours for the first time, the new recruit has received his coach's blessing to replace Jayden Campbell in the halves after the latter was ruled out with a minor hamstring injury.
Moving to Queensland to rejuvenate his career, Hannay believes the 60-game playmaker is perfect to fill the void in the halfback jersey as one of the top performers during the pre-season.
"We're really glad that he's here at this club," he said.
"From day one, he's added a lot of value and gets an opportunity - maybe somewhat unexpected in Round 1 - to prove his value and do his job.
"He's a pretty calm guy but I think deep down, he's really excited and so he should be.
"It's not always a straight path for these guys and their football careers. There's ups, downs and hurdles and the last two years have probably felt tough for that young guy.
"He came up here for an opportunity and a fresh start, we promised him that and I'm stoked that he's here. Not just because he can step in this weekend, but he's added nothing but value this whole pre-season.
"The request for Lachie is to just go out and do his job. His fit, he's healthy, he's confident, he's happy and he's in a really good space to play well this weekend."
Ilias will become Titan #204 when he runs out at Shark Park, joining Max Feagai and Kurtis Morrin as club debutants; meanwhile, Siale Faeamani will make his maiden NRL appearance on the wing in what will be a special day for the New Zealand-born flyer.
Luke Sommerton and Zane Harrison also form part of Hannay's new six-man bench and may also make their Titans debuts if activated.
Ahead of game day, Jensen Taumoepeau and Josh Patston have been cut from the extended squad with the duo to play in the Hostplus Cup this weekend.
Kick-off is at 5.30pm (AEST) on Saturday at Ocean Protect Stadium, Sydney.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William KennedyFullback for Titans is number 1 Keano Kini
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Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione KatoaWinger for Titans is number 2 Sialetili Faeamani
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Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse RamienCentre for Titans is number 3 Jojo Fifita
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Centre for Sharks is number 4 KL IroCentre for Titans is number 4 Max Feagai
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Winger for Sharks is number 5 Samuel StonestreetWinger for Titans is number 5 Phillip Sami
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Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon TrindallFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 AJ Brimson
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Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas HynesHalfback for Titans is number 7 Lachlan Ilias
Forwards
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Prop for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-BlakeProp for Titans is number 8 Moeaki Fotuaika
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Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke BraileyHooker for Titans is number 9 Sam Verrills
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Prop for Sharks is number 10 Thomas HazeltonProp for Titans is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Arama Hau
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Billy Burns2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor
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Lock for Sharks is number 13 Jesse ColquhounLock for Titans is number 13 Chris Randall
Interchange
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Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Siosifa TalakaiInterchange for Titans is number 14 Kurtis Morrin
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Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Toby RudolfInterchange for Titans is number 15 Tukimihia Simpkins
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Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Oregon KaufusiInterchange for Titans is number 16 Klese Haas
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Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden UeleInterchange for Titans is number 17 Cooper Bai
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Interchange for Sharks is number 18 Hohepa PuruInterchange for Titans is number 18 Luke Sommerton
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Interchange for Sharks is number 19 Chris Vea'ilaInterchange for Titans is number 19 Zane Harrison
Reserves
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Reserve for Sharks is number 20 Jayden BerrellReserve for Titans is number 20 Jaylan De Groot
Match Officials
- Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
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