Wests Tigers second-rower Curtis Sironen is in doubt for Friday night’s clash against Gold Coast at Leichhardt Oval after complaining of a neck issue.
Centre David Nofoaluma has also been struggling with a virus all week, with a decision to be made after Thursday’s captain’s run.
But it’s the injury to Sironen that is of major concern to coach Jason Taylor, who revealed the 21-year-old could be sidelined for some time.
“Yeah, it could be something that’ll keep him out for a few weeks,” Taylor said on Thursday.
“The doctor’s not concerned if he plays this week but at the same time it’ll be one where we’ll have to make the smart decisions.
“It’s just something that’s come on in the last couple of weeks.
“There wasn’t an incident [against North Queensland].
“It’s just a bit of weakness that’s developing in his arm that’s neck related.”
The Titans were pipped 19-18 in their season-opener on the Gold Coast, when key men Greg Bird, David Taylor and Beau Falloon were stood down after being slapped with court notices relating to drug offences.
Now they travel to Sydney just one day after Daly Cherry-Evans’ dramatic backflip has left them without a marquee player for 2016.
But Taylor insisted the Titans were in good enough form to overcome their off-field woes.
“It’s not as though it’s somebody at their club already,” he said.
“Last time we played the Titans it was off the back of their issues pre-season which we were really confident was going to boost their intensity and it did.
“It was a really tough game for us.
“This one’s probably a little bit different but regardless, they’re playing well.
“They were really unlucky not to take Souths into extra time last week.
“It doesn’t matter what it does, they’re playing well.”
Taylor said two Titans in particular posed a huge threat to the two points on offer Friday night.
Both sides currently sit a win outside the top eight.
“Ryan James really caused us some problems when we played them first in round one,” he said.
“And James Roberts, I thought his performance last week was really special.
“So they’ve got some key players that we’re ready for.”
