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Mead free to roam for the ball

DAVID Mead has been given licence to retain a roving role in attack for the Titans despite the return of fullback William Zillman.

Regular winger Mead was shifted to the back to cover for Zillman - who is battling a long-term groin injury - after the Titans plumped for youngster Jahrome Hughes and playmaker Jordan Rankin early in his absence.

Such was his success, Mead has been given the OK to continue to probe for holes up the middle of the ground as the Titans explore every avenue to gain a finals place.

Mead proved a revelation during his foray to fullback, averaging more than 150m in runs, three line breaks, six tackle breaks and a try in his two games starting in the No.1 jersey.

While he started on the wing in the weekend's loss to the Cowboys, his occasional switches to the back left him able to exploit any chances available and he made one of only two line-breaks on the night as the Titans struggled to match the improved North Queensland outfit.

Gold Coast Titan David Mead will retain a roving role in attack . Getty Images
''Especially teams we play up the middle, I've been told to hang around up the middle and look for some holes and stick my nose through there,'' Mead said.

''I enjoyed fullback. The thing was we had Zilly back this week and we all know what he can do.

''Having him at fullback and me on the wing is best for the team.''

Mead has had a horror season, being restricted to the sideline for extended periods after breaking his jaw twice. His absence robbed the Titans of one of their most potent scoring forces.

While he can be a danger from the back, Mead's presence on the right wing is also a boon for the Titans, giving them genuine scoring options on either side of the field with left winger Kevin Gordon in career-best form.

''Kev's been on fire the last month. He's on 15 tries and about to break my record of 16, so I've got to try to catch up to him,'' Mead said.

''But having both of us on the wing, we try to do our best ... and if that helps the team then that's what we'll do.''

The Titans need to win at least two of their final three games against the Warriors (h), Roosters (a) and Storm (a) to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010 but Mead said there was still great belief in the side.

''Everything's in our control right now,'' he said. ''I believe we can (win our last three).

''We've just got to go out and play according to our game plan and do everything the coach tells us to do and everything we've trained for, and I'm sure we'll get wins.''

Greg Bird is likely to be named today for Saturday's clash against the Warriors at Skilled Park despite being taken from the field in Townsville with back spasms caused by a disc injury.

Albert Kelly will face a fitness test later in the week on his injured sternum.

Goldcoast.com.au 
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