Whitbread more worried about propping up position than venue switch

The one-hour commute to Suncorp Stadium for "home games" is the least of concerns for rising Titans forward Jai Whitbread with the front-row conundrum offering a far greater challenge.

Gold Coast will be in action for the second match of the season restart in round three, travelling to Townsville to face the Cowboys on May 29.

They will host their home games at Brisbane's venue until at least round nine before the NRL reviews stadium availability and biosecurity measures for the rest of the revamped 20-round competition.

Whitbread, who had a two-year stint at the Broncos before returning to the Gold Coast in 2018, said there had been no complaints from players over their short-term relocation.

"We'd obviously love to play home games at CBus but that's the NRL's decision and we're more worried about getting the footy up and going," Whitbread said on Wednesday.

"A trip to Suncorp doesn't bother me and wouldn't bother the other boys if it meant getting back on track. An hour to play footy, I'm sure everyone wouldn't be mad at that.

"I like the stadium especially when it's packed. But with no crowd it gives a [pure] focus on the footy."

Whitbread started the first two rounds from the bench in March but with the likely returns of Shannon Boyd (shoulder) and Keegan Hipgrave (concussion), competition in the pack is only expected to rise.

Titans coach Justin Holbrook will have a decision to make around a prop rotation that includes Whitbread, Boyd, Moeaki Fotuaika, Jarrod Wallace and Sam Lisone.

"There's definitely a lot of more competition which is benefiting the team for sure having those boys back," Whitbread said.

"It makes everyone want to work that little bit harder. I've just got to pick up where I've left off before the break and take it to the next level. I know my strengths and what I need to work on.

"I stayed in routine and kept training, got on top with my body so when we did get back I was ready to go and put myself in the best position to be selected when we did start back."

The return of Hipgrave is long-awaited for Titans fans after he received the all-clear to play again after repeated concussions restricted him to seven games in 2019.

Whitbread said Hipgrave had stood out since the squad returned to training earlier this month.

"He's been doing a few hikes and came back to blitz the two-kilometre trial," Whitbread said.

"I'm looking forward to watching him, he's an aggressive player and will benefit our side."