Hasler likes teen Keano Kini as fill-in Titans fullback

Keano Kini will start the season at fullback for Gold Coast in place of the injured Jayden Campbell.

Des Hasler has nominated teenager Keano Kini as the man to start the season at fullback for Gold Coast, with Jayden Campbell out injured.

Campbell is still recovering from a dislocated patella, and will not be fit to play fullback in the opening-round against St George Illawarra on March 9.

Kini was not named to play in Sunday’s trial against the Dolphins, but Hasler said it was “more than likely” the 19-year-old would play fullback in round one.

“I’ve been impressed with him,” Hasler said.

“He works exceptionally hard on his game. He will get an opportunity come round one.”

Kini debuted for the Titans in Magic Round last year playing dummy-half off the bench, laying on an offload for the match-sealing try against Parramatta.

Slick and quick on his feet, Kini featured in five other matches and started at fullback in the club’s last-round win over Canterbury.

His chance to start the year at fullback comes with AJ Brimson moving to the centres.

As revealed by AAP this week, Campbell is unlikely to be fit until round four at the earliest against the Dolphins.

There is a hope that damaging second-rower David Fifita will be back slightly earlier in round three, as he fights to overcome a pectoral tear.

Fifita has been on restricted duties, but received good news from his surgeon on Thursday and should be back in full training within a fortnight.

It is unlikely the Titans would risk the Queensland State of Origin forward in round one, particularly given they have a bye the following week.

Hasler confirmed Klese Haas had a chance to fill the void in the second row, with Jacob Alick another option.

Beau Fermor will likely play on the other edge, after rupturing his ACL on the eve of last season.