Harrison named to take on Rabbitohs

by NRL

Gold Coast have named Queensland State of Origin forward Ashley Harrison to return from injury for Sunday's blockbuster against South Sydney at Skilled Park.

Jetstar Titans Coach John Cartwright today named former Rabbitoh Harrison to return after the Maroons lock missed Origin 3 and four NRL matches for the Titans with multiple fractures in his big toe.

While Harrison's inclusion provides a boost for the Titans, the club will be without NSW Origin forward Greg Bird this weekend after he sustained a minor hamstring injury in last Friday night's 36-16 victory over the Sydney Roosters.

Harrison, who spent three years at South Sydney from 2003-05 early on in his career, will line-up for his 244th NRL game if he passes fitness tests late in the week.

Harrison's inclusion is the only change from the team which notched the club's third straight win against the Roosters.

Cartwright said Harrison importantly brought some 'big game experience' back for the Titans ahead of Sunday's clash, which features two of the NRL's in-form teams.

"We're getting to that stage of the year now where every game is important and he's been there, done that 'Harro','' said Cartwright.

"He's a really important part of the side. He's got to get through training the rest of the week but it's just a matter of putting up with a bit of pain now.''

Cartwright said it was hoped Bird's hamstring strain would only rule him out for this weekend's clash.

"It's a hamstring strain and very rarely do you get them back within a week. It's not major but at this stage he won't play this week.''

NRL - TITANS vs RABBITOHS
1 William Zillman
2 Kevin Gordon
3 Jamal Idris
4 Steve Michaels
5 David Mead
6 Aidan Sezer
7 Scott Prince [c]
8 Luke Bailey
9 Matt Srama
10 Luke Douglas
11 Nate Myles
12 Mark Minichiello
13 Ashley Harrison

14 Matt White
15 Ben Ridge
16 Luke O'Dwyer
17 Beau Falloon

Coach: John Cartwright

NYC - TITANS vs RABBITOHS
1 Jamal Fogarty
2 Luke Baker
3 Tom Dawney
4 Sam Johnson
5 Jared Teo
6 Matt Beddow
7 Kane Elgey
8 Oliver Percy
9 Sam Irwin
10 Caleb Binge
11 Zach Friend
12 Sam Gee
13 Nick Harold

14 Mitch Hall
15 Dylan Hartin
16 Tauryn Laurenson
17 Sam Harold
18 Tom Rowles

Coach: Jamie O'Connor

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