Gold Coast hooker Nathan Friend's early season good form has been rewarded, with the NRL club extending his contract for a year.

The Titans have taken up an option in Friend's contract that ensures he'll remain on the glitter strip until the end of next season.

Titans managing director Michael Searle said the club was negotiating with Friend's management to extend Friend's contract beyond 2009.

"We're really pleased to be able to extend Nathan's contract for next year and the fact we are negotiating beyond that highlights how much we think of him and his importance to the club," said Searle.

"He is a key member of the playing staff and a real natural leader."

After playing second fiddle to Test hooker Cameron Smith at Melbourne, Friend has become a mainstay of the Gold Coast forwards, playing 29 of the club's 30 NRL games so far.

The 27-year-old has been a key figure in helping the Titans shoot to the top of the NRL ladder with five wins from six matches.

"I can see something building at the club and I'd love to be around for longer if we could come to an agreement," said Friend.

"It's nice to know where I stand for next year. If I can lock something in further, that would great."

Meanwhile, five-eighth Ashley Harrison (elbow) should be fit to play against the New Zealand Warriors at Skilled Park on Sunday while prop Brad Meyers is still awaiting the result of scans on his injured wrist.

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