Gold Coast coach John Cartwright has named an 18-man squad for their NRL season opener against the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday night.

Cartwright included Matt Srama despite an injury concern and Kayne Lawton in the squad with the pair expected to share the hooker role.

Dominique Peyroux slots into the centres for injured recruit Beau Champion (finger) while Steve Michaels is on the wing for Kevin Gordon (knee).

Jordan Rankin, 20, has been named at five-eighth with William Zillman at fullback, as expected.

Titans: William Zillman, Steve Michaels, Jamal Idris, Dominique Peyroux, David Mead, Jordan Rankin, Scott Prince (capt), Luke Bailey, Kayne Lawton, Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Luke Douglas, Matthew White, Ben Ridge, Matt Srama, Luke O’Dwyer (one to be omitted).