Someone forgot to tell Gold Coast Titans coach John Cartwright that veteran pivot Mat Rogers was a certain starter against New Zealand Warriors at Skilled Park on Saturday.

Just days after telling anyone who would listen that he would be "right to go" against the Warriors after nursing a rib complaint for the last fortnight, Rogers was cut by the Titans mentor.

"He will need another week. Rib injuries are usually two to three weeks depending on the severity - and it's probably not the game to risk him in at this stage," Cartwright said on Friday.

Preston Campbell has been switched from fullback to five-eighth with interchange regular William Zillman handed the No.1 jersey.

The news came barely 24 hours after Queensland backrower Ashley Harrison withdrew due to rib damage sustained in the Maroons' Origin II victory in Sydney.

He joined an injury list that already featured NSW prop Luke Bailey (broken arm) and NSW City backrower Mark Minichiello (ankle) - not ideal ahead of a game against the monster Warriors pack.

"They (three injured forwards) are all rep players so it's a major blow but that's where the experience of last year helps us," Cartwright said.

"We are fortunate to bring Daniel Conn in, Will Matthews doesn't look out of place out there and Michael Henderson is getting a few games under his belt.

"When you go through bad times as we have in the past there is always a positive to come out of it.

"Those guys probably got thrust in a bit early but it is benefiting them now."

Cartwright would hope so - Warriors coach Ivan Cleary made it clear where he thought his side held a significant advantage.

"We'll be looking to win the forward battle," he told reporters in New Zealand.

"In terms of finesse they (Titans) are right up there, they have guys that are very dangerous in broken play.

"We can't allow them to have too much time and space or we'll be chasing our tails around all night."

Campbell has been switching between the halves and fullback due to injuries and admitted being a star utility sometimes was not all it was cracked up to be.

"It's really hard sometimes. You get punted around a fair bit," he said.

"It's an advantage of being a versatile player but also a disadvantage.

"But fullback is not dissimilar to five-eighth - you just have to do a bit more tackling."

The Warriors (11th; 5-1-7 win-draw-loss record) arrive at the Gold Coast (3rd; 9-4) looking for a repeat of their late 2008 surge - eight wins in 10 games - to be certain of a top eight berth.

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