Minichiello to reach Titans ton

Forward Mark Minichiello will become only the second player to reach 100 games for Gold Coast Titans when he plays against St George on Friday.

Minichiello, 29, joined the club from South Sydney Rabbitohs in time for their inaugural 2007 season and follows Nathan Friend in hitting a ton for the NRL‘s youngest club.

In team changes, backrower Anthony Laffranchi has been named to make his return from an ankle injury while the Titans will be without the services of State of Origin duo Ashley Harrison (QLD) and Greg Bird (NSW) this weekend.

Centre Joseph Tomane has been named to make his return to first grade in what will mark his second NRL appearance this season while former Canberra Raiders lower grade prop Brenton Lawrence has been named on an extended five-man interchange bench.

Lawrence, 26, is yet to make his NRL or club debut for the Titans but has been performing strongly in the Queensland Cup with feeder club Burleigh Bears since joining the club in the off-season.

The Titans’ only prior visit to WIN Jubilee Stadium netted the club a thrilling 11-10 victory over the Dragons in July last year.