WHEN the NRL circus rolls into Bathurst on March 14 there will be 34 players looking to make an early-season impact, but one in particular will be Gold Coast Titans prop Luke Douglas.

He will be a part of the Titans squad to take on the Penrith Panthers in the highly anticipated clash, and perhaps may have a point to prove.

Douglas has been with the Titans for three seasons, but that didn’t make him immune from the drawn-out ASADA-Cronulla Sharks saga. It ultimately ended his 2014 campaign.

In fact, he wasn’t even allowed to train until November 21 after copping a suspension from ASADA.

Douglas’ team-mate Anthony Don said the hard-working bookend remains a key part of the Titans despite the suspension.

The ban ended Douglas’ NRL record run of 215 consecutive matches since his debut as well as his season.

Don said there’s been no problem with welcoming the 28-year-old back into the club.

“It’s great having Dougie back,” Don said.

“All the boys missed him when he was on his suspension. He’s one of the most liked boys in the team and everyone’s stoked to have him back on board.”

New Titans coach Neil Henry has named Douglas as one of the next tier of experienced players he wants to step into leadership roles following the departures of club veterans Luke Bailey, Mark Minichiello and Ashley Harrison.

Don said Douglas’ example alone is enough of a lesson for any up-and-comers at the club.

“Dougie’s training and preparation is always first class,” Don said.

“In my time as a player he’s one of the most professional I’ve seen. He’s a leader in our group. Leads us mainly in what he does, not what he says.”

Don himself will also have some extra motivation when he gets to Bathurst, having been challenged by Henry to move in from the wing and play at centre in the upcoming season.

The match is only the second for the 2015 competition and should provide a number of players an early opportunity to establish themselves in a particular role within a side that has struggled to make the finals since its birth.

The 27-year-old said he’s happy to make the switch further infield, which is indicative of the new era at the club.

“It’s definitely been a change since last year,” he said.

“It’s been different, a bit more intense and they’ve been working us hard.

“All the boys are fired up trying to show the coaching staff they’re ready to go for round one."