Gold Coast's NRL season has copped another blow after scans confirmed a serious hamstring injury will sideline Jayden Campbell for eight weeks.
The enterprising fullback was injured in the Titans' loss to North Queensland last Thursday, a defeat that saw them drop to second-last with a 3-10 record.
The setback follows a rib injury that kept him out earlier this season and adds further headaches for the Titans' under-pressure, young spine of Toby Sexton and AJ Brimson.
It could force coach Justin Holbrook to shift Brimson back into the No.1, despite the club's intention to develop him in the No.6 jersey, while Jamayne Isaako could also fill the void against South Sydney on Saturday.
Parramatta recruit Will Smith had filled a gap in the halves for the Titans earlier this season, but last week was granted an immediate release on compassionate grounds to return to NSW.
The Titans' poor form follows a breakthrough finals appearance in 2021 under Holbrook, who has signed experienced half Kieran Foran from Manly for next season.