Lachlan Fitzgibbon has been given the green light to make his NRL return this weekend.
Sidelined with an elbow injury, the backrower has ticked all the boxes in his recovery to make himself available for selection in Round 20.
Head of Physical Performance, Balin Cupples, said Fitzgibbon completed training on Monday and will be at coach Nathan Brown’s disposal when it comes to naming his team to face Manly.
“Lachy’s come through a really comprehensive rehab protocol and was pushing for the Parra game (in Round 21),” Cupples said.
“In saying that, he’s come through it that well, he’s put plenty of work in.
“He’s put himself in line for selection this week. He got through training today (on Monday). He’s got one more session to get through, but we should se him line-up against the Sea Eagles on Saturday.”
In further positive news for the Club, Edrick Lee is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a broken arm.
LISTEN TO THE JEREMY SMITH PODCAST BELOW!
IF YOU'RE READING ON THE APP AND WANT TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST - CLICK HERE!
“He’s progressing really well,” Cupples said.
“He’s actually building into some football skills – catch and pass – he’s unrestricted in his upper body work in the gym.
“He’s a little bit ahead of schedule.”
Finally, Josh King will miss Round 20 as a result of a head-knock.
Sign up for a free NRL Account to access this video and other exclusive content.
Sign UpAlready have an NRL Account?
Not sure? Learn more about an NRL Account .
The prop suffered a concussion playing Canterbury Cup on the weekend and will be forced to sit out a week.
“Due to the length of time he was out with that first carry for Cup on Saturday, he’ll automatically miss a week,” Cupples said.
“After the week, he’ll go through the normal NRL and Club guidelines and flow through there.”
Injured players and expected return dates:
Lachlan Fitzgibbon (Elbow – Round 20)
Josh King (Concussion - Round 21)
Edrick Lee (Arm - Round 25-Finals)
Slade Griffin (ACL - Round 22)
Starford To’a (Ankle – Round 21-24)
