Brisbane will again be without captain Darren Lockyer and representative forward Sam Thaiday for Friday night's NRL derby against Gold Coast Titans.

The struggling Broncos, who desperately need a win to get their top eight campaign back on track, have named hooker Aaron Gorrell at five-eighth for the second successive week with Lockyer battling a knee injury.

Thaiday will miss the match with rib cartilage damage.

Both missed last Friday's loss to South Sydney.

Brisbane have won just one of their last five games.

However, Broncos' coach Ivan Henjak says the team has reviewed its poor defence against South Sydney last Friday night and has fixed up some left-hand side defensive communication problems.

Apart from Lockyer and Thaiday, Brisbane are also feeling the absence of giant winger Israel Folau, who is not expected back on the paddock until just before the finals.

The Gold Coast, who are firmly entrenched in the top eight, have only one major injury concern with hooker Nathan Friend battling a severe ankle injury.

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