Gold Coast Titans hooker Nathan Peats chance to return against Brisbane Broncos

THE Titans are expected to receive a major boost for the derby clash against the Broncos, with Nathan Peats racing the clock to make his return.

Nathan Peats return would be a boost for the Titans. Picture: AAP

THE Titans are expected to receive a major boost for the derby clash against the Broncos, with Nathan Peats racing the clock to make his return.

Gold Coast coach Neil Henry is expected to name his star hooker in his 21-man squad on Tuesday as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury suffered in a pre-season trial.

Given the Titans’ injury woes, Peats’ return would provide them with the punch they need to take on Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.

While the former Eel has not been given the all-clear, he is certainly in the frame to make his comeback.

Co-captain Kevin Proctor (hamstring) is also expected to be a chance for Friday night’s game, after he was a late withdrawal against the Raiders.

Fellow backrowers Chris McQueen (back) and Joe Greenwood (concussion) will definitely be included in the team to take on Brisbane, but Tyrone Roberts (fractured toe) is no chance of playing after being referred to a specialist.

Nathan Peats (Ieft), with Kane Elgey, may return from injury this week. Picture: AAP

Titans winger Anthony Don, who returned from a shoulder injury against the Raiders, was reluctant to comment on Peats’ looming return except to say he would like to see him back for the Broncos game.

Don said the Titans had been struggling with their defence and needed all the bodies they could to stop the Broncos from putting on a big scoreline.

“We’re all making little mistakes that are ending up in tries,” he said.

“We’ve all got to improve ... we have heaps to work on.

“We have to muscle up in the middle and try to stop their momentum.”

This has been the worst injury run for the Titans in their short history, but the club are hopeful they’ll nearly be back to full-strength by next week’s clash with Cronulla.

Both Jarryd Hayne (ankle) and Dan Sarginson (knee) are on track to return for the Round 8 showdown.