Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen expects to return on Saturday from the injury it was first feared could end his career.
The NSW skipper hasn't played since suffering the knee injury in his team's NRL season-opening loss to North Queensland.
But he's preparing to end a three-week stint on the sidelines when the Sharks meet Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday.
"I should be back this weekend," said Gallen at the launch of the State of Origin series at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday.
"I trained yesterday, I will train tomorrow and providing I don't get too much swelling by the weekend I should be alright.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said after Monday night's win over Melbourne, Cronulla's second victory of the year, the club was taking a cautious approach with Gallen.
"I know our physios are sick of seeing him because he's a tough patient, Gal, he wants everything to be fixed right away," Flanagan said.
"He's been tough in rehab, but he's there and he's worked really hard. He's pretty impatient and wants to get back as soon as he can."
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