Titans rookie Jai Whitbread to match up against Manly star Jake Trbojevic

He’s only played nine matches for the Titans, but Jai Whitbread must try to stop one of the most damaging runners in the NRL.

Titans rookie Jai Whitbread says he’s ready for the challenge of trying to stop Jake Trbojevic. Picture: AAP

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Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan will task nine-game rookie Jai Whitbread with shutting down one of the NRL’s most destructive ball runners as the Titans aim to turn their horror year around.

With Jai Arrow out injured, Whitbread will likely start in the locking role against Manly on Saturday and can lay claim to a regular berth if he muscles up to Sea Eagles gun Jake Trbojevic.

Trjobevic missed Manly’s loss to the Titans earlier this year but is certain to play after earning man-of-the-match honours for NSW in their Game II win over Queensland on Sunday.

A head-to-head battle with Trjobevic would have most 21-year-olds on edge but Whitbread is eager to test himself against the best.

Titans rookie Jai Whitbread says he’s ready for the challenge of trying to stop Jake Trbojevic. Picture: AAP

“We’ll see what happens with the team list this week but it definitely opens another door for me and if I get that opportunity, I’ll take the challenge with both hands,” Whitbread said of potentially starting against the Blues wrecking ball.

“He’s a great player and to come up against him, an Origin player and Australian player, would be a great challenge (and) something I can learn from.”

Whitbread identified Trjobevic’s powerful ball carries up the middle as a key threat and knows Gold Coast will have to muscle up early if they’re to secure their fourth win of the year.

“We’re going to have to stop their offloads and stop their go-forward pretty early,” he said.

Manly forward Jake Trbojevic. Picture: AAP

The departure of Max King has added further complications for Gold Coast’s preparation, with the 24-year-old signing with Melbourne until the end of the 2020 season.

King’s move is effective immediately and he could feasibly take on the Titans when Craig Bellamy’s side travel to the Gold Coast next month.

The prop played 38 NRL games in three seasons after emerging from the Titans under-20s side and will be missed by a squad already without injured pack leaders Arrow and Ryan James.

Brennan described the 22-year as a “quality human being” but admitted Melbourne’s 18-month offer couldn’t be matched.

“He was presented an opportunity and with an extension, which was something that couldn’t be guaranteed here at the Titans,” Brennan said.

“I know I speak on behalf of everyone here in wishing Max all the best for the future.”