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Clinton Toopi - Source: Photosport -
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Former Melbourne Storm flyer Joseph Tomane's impressive trial form has won the boom teenager a centres spot for Gold Coast's NRL season-opener against New Zealand Warriors on Sunday.
Tomane, 19, was locked in a battle with ex-Kiwi international Clinton Toopi for a starting spot at Skilled Park.
Coach John Cartwright named an extended bench, with doubts over the fitness of key forwards Luke Bailey (knee), Brad Meyers (sternum) and Michael Henderson (toe).
Anthony Laffranchi has been put at notice that he may have to play in the front-row.
Tomane, who scored 15 tries in 10 appearances for the premiers last year, had a superb game in atrocious conditions during a trial match against North Queensland in Darwin recently.
"In the trials especially, he's been our most damaging player," Cartwright said.
"Even in Darwin, where there wasn't much passing of the football, he was still our most dangerous player.
"Clinton has been good in the trials but he just needs some consistent football."
Former Sydney Rooster Riley Brown held off competition from Will Zillman to claim the utility spot off the bench.
Cartwright wants to give hooker Nathan Friend enough opportunity to rest in expected hot conditions for the game.
Much interest will focus on the new-look halves combination of Greg Bird and captain Scott Prince.
Warriors prop Steve Price, who will miss the game due to a heel
injury, said Bird's recruitment would strengthen the Titans across
the park as it allowed Mat Rogers to return to his favoured centres
position.
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