Fifita returns for Titans, Bennett backs Hasler's nous

Joel GouldAAP
Camera IconThe Titans' David Fifita has recovered from a pectoral tear and will play against the Dolphins. (Chloe Davis/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

Gold Coast forward David Fifita has recovered from a pectoral tear and will play against the Dolphins, coach Des Hasler has confirmed.

It is a huge boost for the Titans, who are yet to win a game this season after heavy losses to St George Illawarra and Canterbury.

The Dolphins had the bye last week but are fresh from a 38-0 win over St George Illawarra.

The showdown with the Titans at Robina on Saturday night also comes on the back of star 20-year-old halfback Isaiya Katoa re-signing with the Dolphins until the end of 2028.

Queensland second-rower Fifita, who Hasler suggested would come off the bench, joins fullback Jayden Campbell as key additions to the Titans side that lost 32-0 to the Bulldogs last week.

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Campbell will play his first NRL game after a patella injury suffered last year.

Fifita, who had earlier been named as 18th man, tore his pectoral at training in December.

Both trained fully with the team on Friday.

"Dave will play," Hasler said.

"He'll be used at some stage during the game.

"Both Dave and JC are welcome additions.

"The potency Dave brings, it's another opportunity for points that come around him. That's important. He's an integral part of this team."

The Titans have only scored four points in two matches.

"You can definitely see the effort, but the concentration is about getting a bit of consistency with our attack," Hasler said.

"The attack weighs heavily on our ability to be disciplined with the ball."

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett said Hasler had "quite a challenge on his hands" to get the Titans firing.

"He will be changing things," Bennett said.

"If he's not changing things, what did he go there for in the first place?

"It is a time thing. You've got to be patient with it. You've got to take the criticism that comes with it.

"If you know what you are doing, and I am sure Des does, they will get it right."

Bennett said Katoa's re-signing was "very good" for the Dolphins' future.

"I hope he plays his whole career here for us. I don't see any reason why he won't," Bennett said.

"We built the club here on that basis. He came here as a 19-year-old and hopefully he will be here as a 32-year-old and retires here.

"He is a year older and used to the players, used to the system ...and used to me.

"He is going good. He is a 20-year-old halfback with all the skills, so who knows what he will be like at 23 or 24? There is a lot of upside in him yet."

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