Gold Coast coach John Cartwright was unable to declare Luke Bailey a certain starter for Saturday's NRL showdown with Manly after the Titans co-captain was sent home sick from training on Wednesday.

Bailey is suffering from a virus and has lost several kilograms.

He arrived at the Titans' Runaway Bay training complex on the Gold Coast on Wednesday morning but was sent home to rest.

When asked if he was confident Bailey would take on the Sea Eagles in a match that will decide whether the Titans finish second or third, Cartwright said: "I don't really know."

The Titans will already be without tough, experienced front rower Brad Meyers who has been ruled out of the Brookvale Oval battle with a hand injury.

If Parramatta continue their hot streak against the shaky Dragons on Friday night, the Titans could be playing for second place when they venture to the northern beachside Sydney suburb at the weekend.

But Cartwright said the Titans would approach the game with the same importance regardless, although admitting playing for second spot would be a big bonus.

The Titans had a one-hour training session on the coast this morning, with the focus heavily on ball work.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP