Veteran Preston Campbell is a step closer to making a remarkable recovery after flying out to Townsville with the Gold Coast Titans for Saturday night's NRL clash with North Queensland.

A final decision on the availability of Campbell and pivot Mat Rogers (sternum) will be made on Saturday.

However, the Gold Coast lost prop Michael Henderson (groin).

Campbell was expected to be out for up to four weeks with a calf injury after hobbling off late in the Titans' stunning last round upset over the Storm at Melbourne.

He was not named in the team earlier this week but the former Dally M Medal winner bounced back to return to training by Wednesday before flying out with the team on Friday.

The Titans said Campbell had suffered a "super cramp" against the Storm last weekend, not a calf strain as first feared.

Already buzzing thanks to their impressive early season form, co-ladder leaders Gold Coast (3-1 record) have been further bolstered by the return of Scott Prince (hamstring).

In contrast, the Cowboys are battling at 1-3 after two straight losses under new coach Neil Henry.

But Gold Coast coach John Cartwright said he was wary of a Cowboys ambush at Townsville.

"They're a tough side and they're a big side and they've got a great record in Townsville," Cartwright said on Friday.

"It (Townsville) is a tough road trip at the best of times, they're going to be hurting and they're going to be ready for us."

The Titans enjoyed a 26-20 win in the corresponding clash in Townsville last year - which also marked a return from injury for Prince - and have an overall 2-1 advantage over the Cowboys.

The bookies are still not convinced - the Cowboys are favourites at $1.72 ahead of the Gold Coast ($2.15).

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