Ashley Harrison all but out of local derby against Brisbane Broncos

GOLD Coast have suffered a major body blow with Ashley Harrison almost certain to be ruled out of Friday night's NRL derby with Brisbane.

Ashley Harrison

GOLD Coast have suffered a major body blow with Queensland State of Origin lock Ashley Harrison almost certain to be ruled out of Friday night's NRL derby with Brisbane at Skilled Park.

Harrison, who missed the series-deciding third game earlier this month with a fractured big toe, lasted less than 20 minutes before quitting the team's final session on the Gold Coast.

Coach John Cartwright virtually ruled him out on the spot because of the toe problem but will delay making it official until tomorrow morning.

"It didn't look good. He's pretty honest Harro (Harrison). If he was right to play he would have finished the session,'' said Cartwright.

"I'd say he'll be out tomorrow.''

Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin is expecting the Gold Coast to make NSW hitman Greg Bird a late inclusion in the Titans' line-up.

Bird, who's been battling a pectoral muscle injury, was not included in Cartwright's original 18 man squad.

But with the Gold Coast in danger of losing touch with the top eight, Griffin has prepared his side around Bird playing.

"If he (Bird) is anywhere near fit and ready to play it's the right end of the year, and it's a big game, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him out there.

"We've prepared as if he is going to be there.''

With or without the intimidating Bird, Griffin said the Titans pack would be a real handful.

It will be a big night for Brisbane's Corey Parker who'll become just the sixth Bronco after Darren Lockyer (366), Michael Hancock (297), Allan Langer (288), Andrew Gee (279) and Shane Webcke (263) to play 250 games for the Broncos.

Parker, who marked his first grade debut in 2001 with a try, will celebrate his latest milestone in career best form.

Griffin said Parker was very tough mentally with the ability to play with injuries and recover from them quickly.

"He turns four week injuries into two and he turns bumps that might keep other players out into something he can carry into a game,'' said Griffin.

"His mental toughness is one of his great assets.''

Some of that was evident after he made a stunning recovery from a nasty shin cut to play an outstanding game for Queensland in the Origin series decider earlier this month.

Titans halfback Scott Prince meanwhile warned that centre Jamal Idris - the club's glamour recruit yet to deliver on his price tag - was starting to play with some consistency and was over a number of niggling injuries.

"All we have to do is get the big bloke more ball,'' said Prince.

"He's got some presence and size about him and it would be nice to hit a few times on the edge in each set for sure.''

Prince is hoping for a big turnout from Titans fans after their last game at Skilled Park against the Warriors where he was booed while taking a kick.