The inspirational forward is expected to be sidelined for six months after damaging his right knee 12 minutes into the Titans' 38-14 win over Newcastle on Sunday.

It is a major blow for the Gold Coast who had been buzzing from back-to-back NRL victories.

"Unfortunately Ryan James has suffered an ACL tear," Titans head of performance Dan Ferris said.

"We've had scans to confirm that today and he'll have surgery this week and commence his rehab."

James appeared to suffer the injury as he slid into Newcastle hooker Danny Levi when trying to pounce on a Titans kick.

However, Ferris said the damage had been done before the NSW Origin hopeful had collided with the Knights rake.

"It actually tore (before contact). He just caught it in an awkward position when he extended the leg and it twisted inside and unfortunately the ACL didn't hold up," he said.

"Knowing Ryan like I do, he'll do everything he possibly can to come back bigger and stronger.

"We feel for him at the moment but we know he'll get back to his best."

Five-eighth Tyrone Roberts has taken over the captaincy ahead of Gold Coast's away clash with Wests Tigers on Saturday.

The Titans did receive some good news on the injury front, welcoming back Kevin Proctor for the Tigers clash after the New Zealand back-rower pulled out of the Newcastle clash when he aggravated a quad complaint during the warm-up.

Fellow forward Keegan Hipgrave also returns, slotting onto the bench at the expense of Jack Stockwell after recovering from a back injury that forced him to be another late withdrawal from the last round victory.

Titans flyer Dale Copley admitted they would need all the help they can get to overcome the loss of James.

"He obviously leaves a fair hole in the middle of our field," he said.

"He's an important member of our forward pack and middle third of our field.

"So it's going to be important players step up in his absence."

Australian Associated Press