Gold Coast Titan's hopes of landing the NRL premiership have been dealt a bitter blow with captain Luke Bailey set to be ruled out for the remained of the season.

New South Wales State of Origin representative Bailey suffered an ankle injury during Monday night's narrow one-point loss to South Sydney and will meet a specialist to determine if an operation is required.

"If I don't need the operation, the best case scenario is six to eight weeks," said Bailey.

"But the doc seems to think surgery is the most likely option and if that's the case I'd be an outside chance of being back for the grand final.

"I'm sort of hanging out for a miracle, but if I am out it will be pretty shattering. I'm not letting myself get too filthy yet. But it's disappointing because I felt I was just starting to get a bit of match fitness back after missing a few weeks with the arm.

"Unfortunately that's footy. There isn't much you can do but grin and bear it."

The loss of Bailey will is a significant blow for the high-flying Titans, who lost fellow forward Aaron Cannings on Wednesday for six weeks with a broken leg.

The Titans have further problems as backrower Daniel Conn will also be sidelined for an extended period with a shoulder problem.

"It isn't ideal," Bailey said of the injuries.

"Last week we were saying how rare it is to have basically every player available and now our depth is going to be tested.

"We have a tough game coming up on Saturday night at home against the Dragons without our Origin players and the boys know they need to step up."

Titans coach John Cartwright looks set to blood promising youngster Will Matthews, 20, against the Dragons at Skilled Park.