St George Illawarra skipper Ben Hunt is eyeing an early return to the field after just three weeks sidelined with a broken leg.
The toughness of the Dragons halfback stood out in a 38-12 win over Manly in round three, when he played through the pain of a fractured fibula thinking it was a corked muscle.
But after a short recovery Hunt is in line for a return a week earlier than expected, against Sydney Roosters in Sunday's Anzac Day clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
"He's been training, he's been running, he ran yesterday," said Hunt's halves partner Corey Norman.
"He said it feels pretty good and if he's right it'll be a good inclusion.
"He was in terrific form before he broke his leg so as long as we're all doing our job it makes it a lot easier for Benny as well.
"If he's back playing we're looking forward to it."
Following Sunday's 20-14 loss to the Warriors, coach Anthony Griffin said Hunt was "a chance, but not a strong chance" to feature against the Roosters.
However, it is expected the 31-year-old will be named as part of the 21-man squad on Tuesday afternoon and given until later this week to prove his fitness to play on Sunday.
In contrast to Hunt's bravery, Norman has labelled himself "a little sook" after being cleared of a shoulder injury he suffered on Sunday.
"It was a grade three carry on I think," he joked on Tuesday.
"I got the scan yesterday and it wasn't too much. I'll be right, I'll be sweet."
The inclusion of Hunt would be a huge coup for the Dragons who face an undermanned Roosters side in Sunday's clash.
The Roosters are in the midst of an injury crisis which was worsened with injuries to Siosiua Taukeiaho and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in last week's loss to Melbourne.
They will also fight to clear Victor Radley at the judiciary on Tuesday night.
Regardless, Norman said he is looking forward to taking to the field for Sunday's clash amid the wider significance of Anzac Day.
"We all get to show our respects for past and present soldiers doing their things so we can live in this beautiful country," he said.
"It's definitely a big game and everyone looks forward to it.
"I've only played in one (in 2019) and it was one of the best games I've played in."
