Harrison gives shoulder the thumbs up

Jetstar Gold Coast Titans workhorse Ashley Harrison has given his injured shoulder the thumbs up ahead of Sunday’s season opening clash against Newcastle at Skilled Park.

Harrison was a notable absentee from the Jetstar Titans’ three pre-season trial matches due to a minor shoulder operation in late January, which left him racing the clock to be fit for round one. However, the Queensland State of Origin representative has declared himself ready to hit the ground running on Sunday after gaining some confidence out of a full contact session during the week.

“The shoulder is great, it’s on the six week mark this week,’’ said Harrison. "I did a bit of contact earlier in the week and it feels fine so I’m looking forward to playing."

Although Harrison will be down on match fitness on Sunday, the experienced NRL campaigner said he felt as fit as ever ahead of the showdown with the Knights. “There’s no real fitness like game fitness but I’ve felt good during the pre-season and I feel as fit as I’ve been all other years so hopefully I can get some minutes in and whatever I do this week I’ll benefit from.’’

After breaking back into the representative arena for Queensland last season, Harrison admitted that he was again hoping to don the Marrons jersey in 2009. However, he said his immediate focus was on helping the Jetstar Titans - adding that the Knights could not be underestimated this weekend after they won both matches between the two clubs in 2008.

“Firstly the goal is to get off to a good start with the Titans – we’ve done it the last couple of years but haven’t been able to consolidate later in the year - so that’s the plan to start with and hopefully rep honours will come later on,’’ he said. “The Knights have caused us a bit of trouble last year so we’ve got full attention on them at the moment. They’re coached by Brian Smith so they’ll come here with a game plan. They showed last year when they upset us twice, at home and down there, so we’ll have to be on our toes to really combat what they throw at us.’’