Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook has made two key signings in the space of 24 hours with England international hooker Kruise Leeming and former NRL prop Thomas Mikaele on their way to join the club from the English Super League.
Holbrook told AAP it was "excellent news" for the Titans after long-term injuries to No.9 Sam Verrills (fractured collarbone) and prop Jaimin Jolliffe (ruptured pectoral).
Holbrook also said star No.6 Kieran Foran was still a chance to play against St George Illawarra next Sunday after suffering a grade-two calf strain last week against North Queensland.
The 27-year-old Kruise has played 187 games in Super League and captained Leeds Rhinos to the grand final last season.
Former St Helens coach Holbrook is a big fan and said he would complement Verrills' current replacement Chris Randall.
"It is an open style of play in England and you get a lot of creative nines and Kruise is definitely one of those," Holbrook said.
"I coached against Kruise and he's quick with some good footy intelligence.
"He was captain of Leeds and a person of really good character with leadership qualities. I am really excited to have him join us and initially push for a spot on the bench"
Holbrook said Kruise was on his way to Australia and would be on deck with the club "in a couple of days".
Mikaele, 25, has been a powerhouse for Warrington and is no stranger to the Gold Coast.
He will join former Keebra Park High School First XIII teammates David Fifita, Moeaki Fotuaika and Tanah Boyd at the Titans.
With Fotuaika and Fifita he was part of the famous "4.57am train contingent" that used to catch the early morning train from Altandi station in Brisbane's south to the Gold Coast each morning to attend school.
"That connection helps. Even when you get to the NRL you still want to be playing with your mates and people you played well with," Holbrook said.
"It is great to bring Thomas back to join us. He's been going really well with Warrington and will be on his way here this week to try and fight his way into our 17."
Holbrook remains optimistic about Foran's availability but watched his possible replacements Toby Sexton and Tom Weaver play in the halves together for Tweed Heads against Burleigh in the Queensland Cup on Saturday.
"They both played well but Kieran is still a fairly good chance of playing on Sunday," Holbrook said.
"I spoke to the physio on Friday and Kieran is doing better than he thought.
"I will wait a couple more days. We are coming off the bye so I will see how Kieran is tomorrow."
