Hayne has been to the NFL and Rugby Sevens and back since he last tasted finals football in his native rugby league. That was in 2009, when he was a virtuoso performer helping Parramatta all the way to the decider, only to go down to the Storm.

Seven years later he's certainly older, hopefully wiser, although still finding his way after a mid-season return. Still, given his pedigree he shapes as a genuine weapon for the Titans as they try to take down the in-form Broncos on Friday night.

Wayne Bennett has been bullish about Brisbane's chances from outside the eight but wouldn't enjoy the sight of Hayne lining up at the opposite end. He thrives on the big-time and his presence alone has given the Gold Coast confidence they can stun last year's beaten grand finalists.

Given they finished eighth and play at a ground where the Broncos find it hard to lose, it's a difficult assignment. But Brisbane's inability to crack the top four gives this match a distinct edge, as did their unconvincing win over the Roosters in the final round.

Hayne was named at fullback for the Titans and has had precious little time to work on his combinations with his key playmakers. He might only get one more chance and said the Gold Coast simply had to get things close to perfect to roll Brisbane.

"It's do-or-die now. We have to step up. It's not something they're [the younger players] used to... the crowd is bigger, the game is faster. Hopefully we can use that to our advantage," Hayne said.

"It's getting better each week. That's only our second game as a spine. This week, we just have to click and hope it all works out. And definitely our starts... this week we have to be perfect.

"It's a new ballgame now. I haven't been here for a while. It's been a long time between drinks. The game has changed, I'm a bit older now as well. I'm definitely excited. It should be a huge game."

Earlier on Tuesday, there had been some good-natured sledging from Broncos backrower Sam Thaiday, who was wondering if Hayne would turn up at all given his penchant for chasing dreams away from rugby league.

"There's no guarantee in him playing actually," Thaiday said. "He might have a dream tomorrow night and leave the game again and take up water polo or something.

"Who knows?"

Hayne, though, was all business as he completed his pre-game media duties at Robina. The Gold Coast relied on results to get into the finals but Hayne said they now had full control of their future.

"We have our own back yard to look after now and make sure of what we do on the training field and bring it out for the game," Hayne said.

"We know how good they [Brisbane] are... they're in a bit of form at the moment, bouncing back with five wins on the trot. It's a huge task."

Hayne said he didn't feel any pressure to come up with any spectacular plays against the Broncos, nor did he feel it was his job to muscle in on his playmakers and take over if the game was on the line.

"Not really. I just want to go out and play my game and do what I can to help us win," he said. "As a whole, we want to do better, personally as well. That needs to happen on Friday night."

Titans coach Neil Henry had a full squad to pick from when naming his squad for the Gold Coast's first finals visit since 2010. Winger Anthony Don (hip flexor) was named on an extended bench but should be available if needed.