Gordon's shock switch to fullback
Travis Meyn | 12:01am August 30, 2013
THE Titans will unleash their flying samurai on Sunday with Kevin Gordon to make a shock cameo at fullback against the Roosters.
Gordon will deputise at custodian for the first time after David Mead was ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken back.
And he may not be the only surprise selection, with hooker Sam Irwin training at five-eighth yesterday in place of Aidan Sezer (ankle).
Sezer is expected to pass a fitness test tomorrow and take his place in the halves while centres Brad Takairangi (ankle) and Jamie Dowling (hip) also moved well.
Gordon said he hadn't played fullback since his days at Coffs Harbour High School but he was ready for the challenge after hitting a purple patch of form recently.
''I'm pretty excited about it,'' he said. ''I played there a bit in my younger years. I had 10 minutes there when Meady got a bit tired in one game last year.
''Other than that, I haven't played there since I was in school.
''I've come into a bit of form in the last few games so I'll have a bit of confidence going to fullback.''
Co-captain Greg Bird gave his stiff back a solid hit-out at All Saints Catholic College yesterday and should be right to play after missing last weekend's loss to New Zealand.
Gordon said he was ready to control play from the back in what is a must-win game if the Titans are to keep their finals hopes alive.
''The fitness is the hardest thing. In defence you have to follow the ball around and always be there in case someone sneaks through,'' he said.
''I have to talk to the forwards and give them things to do.''