Laffranchi, Tonga and Meyers back For Titans

Jetstar Gold Coast Titans representative back rower Anthony Laffranchi, young centre Esi Tonga and experienced forward Brad Meyers have been named to make their anticipated returns for Friday night's blockbuster local derby against the Brisbane Broncos at Skilled Park.

Jetstar Titans Coach John Cartwright today named a new look 18-man squad for the clash with Laffranchi to play his first game for 2011 since undergoing off-season surgery (shoulder and wrist) and Tonga named to play his first match in the NRL since late 2009.

Meyers has been named on an extended five-man interchange bench after missing the opening two rounds as he continued his recovery back from minor knee surgery during the pre-season.

The match will mark a big occasion for Tonga, who played 24 NRL matches for the Jetstar Titans in 2008 and 2009 before a torn pectoral muscle ruled him out of action last season. Laffranchi will play his 191st NRL match and his 89th match for the club.

Cartwright said Tonga had earned his recall to first grade in the absence of winger Kevin Gordon, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).