Gold Coast revelation Sam Tagataese is keen to show he's more than a powerful attacking weapon with some big backline defence against premiers Manly in their NRL clash on Saturday.

The Sea Eagles are expected to try to out-muscle the Titans who've lost experienced prop Brad Meyers to injury and were unable to declare co-skipper Luke Bailey (virus) a certain starter after sending him home from training on Wednesday.

Bailey is a few kilograms lighter because of his illness and still feeling off colour but he is expected to play, with the Titans possibly playing for second place should Parramatta extend its winning streak against the Dragons on Friday.

Tagataese earned high praise from Titans coach John Cartwright after he took over at left centre last weekend, notching his maiden try for the club against the Wests Tigers.

This weekend at Brookvale Oval the 192cm, 101kg back-row convert will be aiming to rattle a few ribs with a big defensive game.

Unfortunately for fans Tagataese is not lining up opposite fellow Kiwi Steve Matai who likes nothing more than to put big shots on players.

"Lucky I'm not running at him," laughed Tagataese, not saying which of the two would come off worse in such a collision.

"I like a bit of contact.

"If it's there, I'll put it on, if it's not I'll try and hold off."

The quietly spoken 22-year-old will oppose Ben Farrar, the former Cowboy who did a mid-season club swap with Eagles winger Michael Bani.

His game against the Tigers earned Tagataese, who spent two season with Melbourne before being signed by the Titans, a lot of media coverage.

"It's been alright," he smiled.

"It's a bit of pressure, you just have to keep going.

"I hope I don't have a bad game because it will change pretty quickly."

Coach John Cartwright said he was unsure if Bailey would be fit to play.

"He turned up to train but he is still a little bit down on his weight so we'll give him up till kick off.

"I don't know (if he will play) to be honest."

Cartwright said his players were in the right frame of mind for the business end of the season.

"Win lose or draw, I think they (players) have got themselves into a mindset at the moment where they believe they can beat any side on our day," he said.

"They don't fear any team more than any other, we know if we prepare right on the day we'll be hard to beat."

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