Townsend has battled since his mid-season arrival, after being cynically taken out in his first appearance against the Dragons in early July, limited to just five games in his second stint at the Auckland.
Prop Bunty Afoa strained a hamstring in training on Tuesday and has been replaced by Jazz Tevaga in the 17.
There could be further tweaks, with Matt Lodge named in the front row, pending a judicial hearing on Tuesday night, after copping a grade one dangerous contact charge from the Raiders match last Friday.
Peta Hiku will make his 73rd and final Warriors appearance this weekend, before he heads to the North Queensland Cowboys.
WARRIORS v GOLD COAST TITANS 4.00pm (NZT) Sunday, September 5, 2021 Cbus Super Stadium, Robina