Titans pick Myles for Knights NRL clash

Licking their wounds from a record home loss, Gold Coast at least appear to have one less injury to worry about after picking captain Nate Myles for Saturday’s NRL clash with lowly Newcastle.

And fellow Test forward Greg Bird has been rushed back from suspension after their “poorest performance of the year”, according to coach Neil Henry.

Myles had been set to undergo X-rays after suffering suspected hyperextended fingers in the second half of an injury-hit Gold Coast’s 38-6 Monday night loss to Manly.

However, Titans officials on Tuesday said they had been encouraged by Myles’ recovery and included their captain alongside Bird in the team for the must-win clash.

The cavalry are finally returning for the Titans who had been missing nine regulars in the seven-tries-to-one rout by the Sea Eagles.

Apart from Bird, hooker Beau Falloon (wrist) returned against Manly and halfback Kane Elgey (ankle) would be monitored ahead of the Knights clash despite not being named on Tuesday.

Officials were breathing easy over Myles but appeared most encouraged by Bird’s return from an eight-game lifting tackle ban.

“Birdy will be back next week and he’ll be a welcome addition,” Henry said.

“He has a bit of experience out there so we will throw him in the team.”

Titans forward Ryan James said Bird’s presence would be vital if the 14th-placed Gold Coast were to remain in the finals mix.

“Just his experience and what he brings to the team with his presence on the field as well,” James said.

“Players don’t really want to play against him …so he’s one of the players you want to play with.”

Henry needed some good news after their third straight loss and, seemingly, their most devastating of the season.

“That’s our poorest performance of the year,” he said.

“We weren’t in it after 15 minutes. The attitude wasn’t there to get into a contest and we were thoroughly outplayed.

“We had a lot to play for – both sides did, given the situation with the ladder – and we’ve just made it a little bit harder for ourselves now.

“And on a short turnaround against Newcastle, who are an equally desperate side, it’s going to be a good test of our character how we respond to that.”

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