It is enough to send recovering Gold Coast Titans coach John Cartwright straight back to the hospital.

Titans veteran Preston Campbell says fans thinking their gun recruits can provide a "quick fix" for the ailing Gold Coast next year can think again.

Cartwright was released from hospital on Wednesday after having his appendix removed and was expected back on the training field as soon as Thursday.

But there may be plenty of pain still to come for Cartwright judging by Campbell's frank assessment.

While Campbell insisted the future was bright for the Titans, he said no one should rely on the likes of newcomers Jamal Idris, Beau Champion and Nate Myles to turn everything around.

"There is never a quick fix," he told AAP.

"They are footballers but they have never been Titans.

"They have to learn about our structure and our culture - it is more than just playing football."

The Titans need all the help they can get as they look set to collect their first wooden spoon.

They could not have timed their horror season any worse, with AFL newcomers Gold Coast Suns winning the battle for footy crowds.

It could be enough to put a veteran off returning for one last hurrah next year - but Campbell said he had no regrets since announcing he would make a 2012 swansong.

Well, maybe one.

"If there were any doubts it was the fact they we have a new-look team with younger blokes next year and the only doubt was if I was too old," said the 34-year-old.

"It wasn't about the performance or how we are going (at the moment)."

Campbell looked forward to Cartwright joining training but admitted the coach's presence was still felt at last weekend's clash in Newcastle despite being in hospital 500km away.

"You know what he is like. He's pretty passionate so there was plenty of texting (to Titans coaching staff) before, during and after the game," Campbell laughed.

"I would hate to be the one to foot his phone bill.

"He's doing alright and he is out of hospital today, so we will see him either tomorrow or Friday."

Titans halfback Scott Prince said it was important they provided a fitting farewell to their departing players by salvaging something from their final five games.

"I want to finish the year off for the guys who have been there since the start," he said.

"I am talking about guys like Brad Meyers, Nathan Friend and Anthony Laffranchi, who has been a teammate of mine here and at the Wests Tigers for eight years.

"I haven't been involved in a year so dark since the Cowboys days when I started my career (in 1998).

"Being one of the senior players it really hurts seeing the club go through this."

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