Titans coach John Cartwright would have enjoyed breaking the news to utility Riley Brown and hulking young prop Bodene Thompson that they'd scraped into his 17-man squad to tackle the Warriors at Skilled Park on Sunday.

Most the time Cartwright delivers disappointing news to players who've just missed out.

In Brown's case, the former Roosters utility impressed with tireless work during the pre-season.

Thompson's cause may have been aided by the withdrawal of front-rower Michael Henderson, although Cartwright - a tough, creative forward for Penrith in the 1980-90s - had also been delighted with his early season commitment.

"I like to reward effort and Bodene and Riley Brown were in the same boat," said Cartwright, confident he could match the Warriors muscle up front.

"They give everything they've got.

"There were a few tight decision but nobody trained harder than those two guys."

Brown, whose past few years have been more like a theme park ride than a rugby league career, said he was grateful for the opportunity.

"I was surprised but it was a goal of mine," said the 25 year-old whose NRL journey started with the Newcastle Knights.

Brown broke his arm in the 2008 finals against Brisbane in 2008 and didn't play again until late in 2009 when the Roosters were going badly.

His work ethic, combined with his ability to play multiple positions, was a winner with Cartwright.

"I knuckled down, trained hard and trialled well and Carty has given me an opportunity on Sunday and I'm looking forward to it," he said.

"I can play a few positions and the prediction is for very warm weather so that's why Carty said I'm there."

Riley can toil in the back row but is also capable of slipping into dummy half should hooker Nathan Friend need a spell which, given the forecast, seems very likely.

"I don't think anyone can go 80 minutes in heat," conceded Cartwright.

Warriors strike player Wade McKinnon has joined new skipper Simon Mannering and former skipper Steve Price on the injured list but Titans captain Scott Prince is wary of rival No.7 Brett Seymour and the return of Brent Tate from a serious knee injury.

Prince and Seymour jostled for playing time at the Broncos before Prince joined the Wests Tigers and then linked with the Gold Coast.

"Brett will give them structure and he has quite a good kicking game," said Prince.

"I played with him at the Broncs and he was part of he reason why I left.

"I've got a lot of respect for him and let's hope we can counteract him."

Tate is another former Bronco teammate rated highly by Prince.

"He's suffered a bit over the last few years with his injuries," said Prince, who battled to overcome his own injury demons at Red Hill.

"He's all class and definitely a player we will have to watch closely."

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