Darren Lockyer's record 350th NRL game has become a lot tougher with North Queensland naming Johnathan Thurston and prop Matt Scott in their side for Friday's clash in Townsville.

Thurston has pushed forward his recovery from a knee injury, suffered in Queensland's State of Origin series win over NSW last month, in the hope of being part of Lockyer's milestone game.

"It just wasn't the case that I could play and now I'm just looking forward to this weekend," Thurston said.

"It's going to be a massive night, a local derby and Locky's 350th.

"Everyone's looking forward to it.

"I know the fans are, both clubs are and I am as well.

"Hopefully, we can spoil Locky's party by scoring a win."

Lockyer said on Tuesday he rated Thurston as among the world's best players and hoped the halfback would be able to play.

Thurston tested out his knee, which was still sore because of deep bone bruising, with some contact training on Monday.

"It came through sweet. Now we've just got to get through Tuesday's training and see how it goes after that," he said.

With Brisbane heading north without Maroons prop Ben Hannant (hip flexor), Scott's return tips the scales the Cowboys way in a clash which will have a significant impact on the make-up of the top four just four weeks out from the finals.

Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin named young prop Josh McGuire to start for Hannant.

Gold Coast will turn the clock back for veteran Preston Campbell who will fill the boots of injured halfback Scott Prince (broken arm) when the Titans host Melbourne, who will be chasing a club record-equalling 11th straight win.

Campbell, who has just four matches remaining before he retires, started his career with the Titans in the No.7 jumper as a foundation player in 2007.

Assistant coach Steve Murphy said while it was disappointing to lose Prince, the Titans were blessed to have a former Dally M Medal winner to take his place.

"He'll leave a hole, like any class player leaves a hole, but we're very fortunate to have a man of Preston Campbell's ability to step straight into the void and fill that hole," he said.

Canberra's injury crisis deepened with Dane Tilse ruled out for up to four weeks after tearing his quad muscle in training.

The news comes on the back of Glenn Buttriss becoming the ninth Raiders player to miss the remainder of the season after tearing a pectoral muscle.

Danny Galea moves back into the starting side for the clash with South Sydney on Sunday, as does Bronson Harrison who is returning from a shoulder injury, with Sam Mataora and Josh Papalii shifting to the bench.

High-flying Manly have named Steve Matai and Will Hopoate in their side to face Parramatta on Saturday after the pair recovered from shoulder and hamstring injuries respectively in Sunday's win over Sydney Roosters.

George Rose moves up from the bench to replace injured co-captain Jason King.

Canterbury have named prop Micky Paea in their side for the first time since round 10 for the clash with Cronulla on Monday.

The former St George Illawarra front-rower has produced some strong displays in the NSW Cup after overcoming a knee injury.

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