Titans' dogged challenge

THE atmosphere and prospect of knocking off National Rugby League competition heavyweights the Bulldogs will have the Gold Coast Titans firing at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

Despite the short turnaround from Monday night's 18-12 victory over Parramatta, Titans football manager Scott Clark dispelled concerns players would struggle backing up for two games in four days, saying the club loved a challenge.

The Gold Coast and the Bulldogs sit neck and neck on the premiership ladder and a victory on Friday would propel the Titans into outright second position, two points behind St George Illawarra who have a bye this weekend.

Clark said despite starting strongly then falling off the pace in recent seasons, the Titans of 2009 had shown they were 'the real deal'.

A crowd of more than 50,000 is expected at Suncorp Stadium, where the Titans play the Bulldogs and the Broncos take on South Sydney in the Friday night double-header.

"One thing we have shown in our short history is that we like the big games and the players really like stepping up to the plate in these matches," said Clark.

"We have always played tight games in front of the big crowds.

"The club is always up for a challenge and that's exactly what we know we will get on Friday."

With two games in quick succession, the Titans have a weights session today before a light ball work session tomorrow.

Preston Campbell will add more flair to the Titans line-up when he returns against the Bulldogs after missing Monday's victory with the flu.

Ashley Harrison has been named to make his return from a rib injury but that will depend on how he pulls up from tonight's third State of Origin clash in Brisbane.

Flyer Chris Walker is likely to miss the match with a quadricep injury while the coaching staff will closely monitor Mark Minichiello who picked up a knee knock but is expected to be passed fit for the Bulldogs clash.

Off contract at season's end, Walker, who has been impressive in his return to the NRL, left the field not long after scoring a try on Monday.

Clark did not expect Walker's latest setback to hinder his chances of securing a contract in 2010, whether that be at the Titans or another club.

"Everyone knows what Chris Walker can do and where his strengths are on the football field," he said.

"It's unfortunate as this is another setback for Chris but we still have nine games to play this season and I have no doubt that his contribution will play a big part in that."

Walker wants to be fit for the Titans-Broncos derby at Skilled Park on Friday week.

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au