Warriors boss Stephen Kearney has rated Kieran Foran a good chance to make his club debut in Sunday's clash with the Dragons in Sydney.
Foran received full clearance to return to the NRL in last week's 24-12 loss to the Bulldogs in Dunedin but was not named in the travelling party as he continued his recovery from a long-term shoulder issue.
The troubled 26-year-old has since been named on an extended Warriors bench for the Warriors' round four match, with young gun Ata Hingano in No.6 jumper.
Nevertheless, Kearney told reporters on Wednesday he was optimistic Foran would take to the field against the Dragons.
The New Zealand international has not played an NRL match since May 30 last year, having departed former club Parramatta to address various personal issues.
He linked up with the Warriors in September and has spent the past six months rehabilitating his shoulder and addressing his mental health.
He could be seen training with his teammates - including full contact drills and tackling - in Auckland on Wednesday.
"He's a good chance - got to pass a few tests," Kearney said.
"Tomorrow is another day he needs to get through, (so) I can't give you a definite but we need to see how he pulls up from today and tomorrow."
Foran's on-field nous and calming influence were sorely missed in Dunedin, as a one-dimensional Warriors outfit failed time after time to convert possession in to points.
Shaun Johnson and Hingano's fifth-tackle options frequently went to waste, particularly in the first half, before the side's defence collapsed late on.
Kearney backed Foran to add direction to the side's spine alongside halves partner Johnson if passed fit, as well as some much-needed grit.
"You can hear him, he's pretty vocal out there," Kearney said.
"I don't think you can exactly replicate a game but he's a pretty intelligent footballer and the smarter footballers know the efficient way to get around.
"When Kieran's playing his best footy, you want him in your team."
Elsewhere, skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is a near-certainty to return to the field at fullback after missing the Bulldogs clash with concussion.
However, the news for veteran winger Manu Vatuvei was less positive, after aggravating a knee injury in Dunedin, and he may need minor knee surgery to address the issue.
Kearney said that irrespective of Tuivasa-Sheck and Foran's returns, his side would have to be better across the park in key moments.
"There were areas of our attack on Friday where we needed to be better, and there were individuals within the structure we had that I don't think fulfilled their roles," Kearney said.
"I want them to fix that first and then whatever Kieran does, when Roger plays, they add something to it."
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