Cronulla's Matt Moylan is every chance to make his return from a troublesome calf injury against the Wests Tigers if he can get through NRL training this week.
The 30-year-old has been sidelined with the frustrating issue since round 15 but has been named on an extended bench for the crucial clash in Rockhampton on Saturday.
It's been a slower recovery than he or the club expected but the utility back said he's feeling confident about a return just as the Sharks enter must-win territory.
"It's feeling good," he said on Tuesday.
"I made a bit of progress and it's been a bit slow and frustrating but I feel like I've got on top of it now and I'm looking to finish off the season.
"It's just getting through the training sessions, I've just got to do some stuff with the footy and the playing group and make sure I'm not underdone."
The seven-week lay off has been particularly frustrating for Moylan given how injury interrupted his past three seasons have been.
In 2019 he played just 11 games and last year managed eight as he battled ongoing leg issues.
This year he has already played 12 before his momentum was again stalled.
"It's not ideal, I want to be out there every week and every game I can and I felt like I was starting to string some games together this year and it all came at an unfortunate time," he said.
"It's just taking a bit longer than I thought it would have to get on top of but hopefully from now it's clear sailing."
Should he be cleared to play, Moylan's addition will come as a huge boost for the Sharks who will be without Andrew Fifita (injured) and Aiden Tolman (suspended) against the Tigers.
Both sides are hunting for a place in the top eight with three rounds to play and desperately need a win.
"There's probably a few teams who are in the same boat at the moment where it's going to be do-or-die games and that finals intensity," Moylan said.
"They're coming off the back of a couple of good wins so we;ll have to hold their momentum.
"The boys made a good step forward with the way they attacked the game (against the Knights) on the weekend.
"Obviously the result didn't go our way but if we can back that performance up I think we can get the job done."
Meanwhile, on Tuesday Cronulla granted injured half Shaun Johnson an early release from his contract to return to New Zealand with his family.
He has signed a two-year deal with the Warriors for next season.
