Opposing 112kg New Zealand Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei - affectionately dubbed "The Beast" - sounds more like a punishment.

But Gold Coast Titans flyer Jordan Atkins says the assignment is a fitting reward for overcoming times that were so tough, he thought he would never play NRL again.

The withdrawal of fullback Preston Campbell (hamstring) on Thursday forced a backline reshuffle ahead of the Titans' NRL finals clash with the New Zealand Warriors at Skilled Park on Friday night.

A wing vacancy had to be filled for the crunch game - and Titans coach John Cartwright immediately thought of Atkins.

In just his fifth game of the year, the 27-year-old will be asked to complete a task few in the NRL have accomplished - stop Vatuvei.

And Vatuvei won't be short of motivation - he needs one more try to eclipse the club's all-time try-scoring record of 77.

But Atkins told AAP: "I am relishing it.

"Every footballer wants to play against the best - and I reckon he is the form winger and has been for a few years.

"Don't get me wrong - if he is running at me it would certainly be daunting.

"But this is what it is all about - playing in the big games against the big names."

Mind you, just playing in the NRL puts a smile on Atkins' face.

Everyone remembers his NRL debut - a record four tries against the Cowboys in the 2008 season opener.

It could be argued few could remember anything since.

Here's why - in his third season, Atkins has played a total of just 27 games due to a horror injury run.

"I was lucky to get off to a great start in my career - I have been pretty unlucky with injuries since," Atkins said.

"I have been pretty much injured the last two years - it is just a relief to be back playing."

Sitting at home as he nursed yet another injury this year, his try-fest against the Cowboys seemed like an eternity ago.

"There was a time when I had my doubts when I would get back," he said.

"When you are out injured a long time a lot of things go through your mind when you live by yourself - you do get down.

"That's where guys like Mat Rogers are great with their talk and support.

"I am loving it now. We have something special here at the Titans - I think we can go all the way."

No matter how he performs on Friday night, Cartwright believed Atkins had shown what could be achieved if you stick to your guns.

"It has been a hard team to break into - it just shows you the value of hard work and being consistent in what you do," Cartwright said.

"If your chance comes, you have to grab it.

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