Gold Coast’s forwards must step up for Saturday’s NRL clash with Cronulla, with coach Garth Brennan viewing the Sharks as the competition’s toughest pack.

Brennan on Friday talked up the Sharks’ forwards, in particular representative stars Andrew Fifita, Aaron Woods and Paul Gallen.

He said the Sharks would be desperate to bounce back after last week’s defeat to Newcastle, and his own forwards would have to rise to the occasion.

“The boys understand they’re in for a tough afternoon, when you look at the middle that they’ve got in their team in Fifita, (Matt) Prior, Gallen and Woods – they’re all representative players,” Brennan said.

“There’s probably no bigger challenge than that Cronulla pack. They’re experienced, they’re hard, they’re tough and they’re very skilful. Our guys have got to stand up, they’re aware of that.”

The Titans are also seeking to bounce back from round-one disappointment after a 21-0 loss in torrential rain at home to Canberra last Sunday.

Captain Ryan James has shaken off a stomach bug and will make the trip to Shark Park, with Mitch Rein to travel as 18th man.

Halves Tyrone Roberts (Achilles) and Ash Taylor (quadriceps) are both out, with recruit Ryley Jacks to partner young gun AJ Brimson against the Sharks.

Brennan believes Jacks’ experience from his time at the Melbourne Storm alongside Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater should prove an asset.

“He’s been in a fantastic system at Melbourne. He’s played with three of the greatest players of all time in Smith, Cronk and Slater so I’m sure he’s learned a lot off those guys as far as game management goes,” Brennan said.

“That’s probably what we lacked last week in the wet conditions.”