High-profile recruit Kevin Proctor looks set to pull on a Titans jersey for the first time this Sunday with the Kiwi international doing everything he can to take part in the trial against the Warriors in Palmerston North.
With the Sharks and Broncos in England preparing for the World Club Series the other 14 NRL clubs are likely to send out their strongest team possible for the final trial matches before Round 1 kicks off on March 2.
The Titans got the better of the Eels in Alice Springs last Saturday 30-18 and although a number of star players are likely to miss the final hit-out of the pre-season due to injury Proctor is fighting to take the field as a Titan for the first time in New Zealand.
All Stars representatives Ryan James, Nathan Peats, Ash Taylor, Tyrone Roberts and Chris McQueen will return to the side that played Parramatta with Proctor's availability dependent on how his knee injury copes with a week of training. Jarryd Hayne, Dan Sarginson and Konrad Hurrell are not expected to travel with the team.
With his left knee strapped Proctor completed the fitness session on Tuesday morning and James is hopeful he will get to take the field on Saturday.
"Obviously it would be good to get a game in but we'll see today," James said of Proctor's possible inclusion.
"He's pretty confident and I think he really wants to get out there and try and get some of that trial in. It would be great if he did.
"Hopefully we field the strongest side. We'll see if Kevvie is good today and it would be great to get him out there in the team colours before his first hit-out in Round 1."
If the Titans coaching staff deem the risk too great ahead of the season proper and rest Proctor for a further week James is confident that it won't affect his preparation for the Round 1 clash with the Roosters.
"He's a pretty seasoned player and in pretty good shape," James explained.
"Kevvie is a well-respected player, he's an international and he's very professional so I think for someone of his calibre it's not super important [to play in the trial]."
Leivaha Pulu staked his claim for a place in the 17 for Round 1 with a strong display that included a try in 40 minutes against the Eels.
Although Proctor has had limited time on the training paddock with his new team Pulu says that he has already earned the respect of the playing group with how he conducts himself.
"He's been great with his leadership. You can see why he was well respected at the Storm," Pulu said.
"When there is stuff to be said he'll say it. He's not shy of saying things that need to be said.
"He's come in and spoke well to the boys and earned the respect of the boys."
