Cronulla star Josh Dugan is set to finally make his return from a two-month layoff with a broken foot in time for the Sharks' NRL finals push.
Dugan was named on an extended bench for Sunday's match against Manly but is primed to play after completing his first full training run with the team on Tuesday.
It will be Dugan's first appearance since fracturing his foot in late May, continuing an injury-riddled maiden season that has limited him to just eight games in his maiden season for Cronulla.
Teammate Aaron Woods said Dugan is keen to string some matches together.
"He's had a bit of an up-and-down start of the season with injury," Woods said on Sky Sports' Big Sports Breakfast on Wednesday.
"He's just stinging to get out on the field and play some footy and get a couple of weeks together.
"If he gets through he'll be a massive bonus for us."
Another Sharks star to have battled various injuries this year is second-rower Wade Graham, who is slated to return from a nagging groin issue.
Graham has missed six games so far this year due to hamstring and cheekbone problems, and suspension.
He was sidelined for last week's loss in Brisbane.
But the Kangaroos Test forward will add further impetus - particularly in attack - for a Sharks side in sixth spot and within sight of a crucial top-four finish.
"Sometimes teams do come up and put pressure on (playmakers Matt Moylan and Chad Townsend) with the kick pressure," Woods said.
"But then they'll hit Wade short and then he'll either have a play set up with his edge or a short kicking or long kicking game which creates another dimension to our attack.
"He's a real focal point in our attack as well. He used to be a five-eighth.
"We did miss him a lot but there's times where he's not going to be there in games so we need to be better without him sometimes."
