Dual international Mat Rogers will make a shock appearance for the Gold Coast Titans against Manly at Skilled Park on Friday night, returning a month earlier than expected from a serious knee injury.

Initially expected to miss three months after rupturing his medial ligament in round six against the Dragons, the veteran has been rushed back against the Sea Eagles just eight weeks after suffering the injury.

Rogers' return is a shot in the arm for the Titans as they try to break a worrying three-game losing streak.

"It's great work from the medical staff to get him back," Titans coach John Cartwright said.

"They had predicted round 16 at the very earliest so to get him back in round 14, they have done a fantastic job with him."

The surprise return is also a boost for the off-contract Rogers as he tries to extend his playing career.

The Titans have already indicated it would be hard to fit Rogers under the club's cap next season.

But Rogers is still hopeful of being picked up by another club in 2011 and has even been linked to Super 14 franchise the Queensland Reds.

Rogers has been named in the centres in a new-look Titans outfit that also includes fellow new faces Luke O'Dwyer, rookie Ryan James and forward Bodene Thompson.

O'Dwyer has been named on the interchange bench - his first NRL match since suffering a serious knee injury against Manly in round 26 last year and undergoing a reconstruction.

James, a 19-year-old local junior, is set to make his NRL debut after some strong performances as captain of the Titans' NYC team.

The Queensland Origin selection of lock Ash Harrison on Tuesday opened the way for Thompson to return after serving a one-game suspension in the Queensland Cup.

Centre Joseph Tomane (shoulder) and interchange forward Will Matthews (concussion) appear to have succumbed to injuries suffered in last round's loss to Canberra but fullback Preston Campbell (heel) and five-eighth Greg Bird (knee) are expected to take on the Sea Eagles.

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