Gold Coast coach John Cartwright has been admitted to hospital with suspected appendicitis and will not travel to Newcastle with his team for Sunday's NRL clash with the Knights.

Cartwright is likely to require surgery on Saturday and has been told not to make the trip south.

Known for his toughness as a former NSW and Test second-rower, Cartwright initially hoped he could have the surgery on Saturday and fly to Newcastle on Sunday morning.

However, that plan has been knocked on the head by doctors who have ordered him to rest.

Cartwright did not suffer any discomfort all week, before pains suddenly kicked in on Friday night and he was taken to hospital early on Saturday morning.

Assistant coaches Steve Murphy and Trevor Gillmeister will take over the reins for the Knights clash, with the Titans fighting to get off the bottom of the NRL ladder.

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