Trent Hodkinson is feeling fit again in his battle for Manly's No.6 jersey, thriving in the familiar settings of Des Hasler's regime.
Hodkinson remains unsure if he or Kane Elgey will start at five-eighth for the Sea Eagles' opening-round clash with Wests Tigers on March 16.
A State of Origin winning halfback for NSW in 2014, the past two years of Hodkinson's career have been ruined by knee injuries that have impacted his lateral movement significantly in his once-renowned defence.
But after working alongside Hasler and his coaching staff at both Manly and Canterbury previously, Hodkinson is feeling ready for round one.
"I feel really good at the moment," Hodkinson said.
"I'm in a good program and being under Des and the training stuff before they know how to work me and know how they get the best out of me.
"I've worked with (strength and conditioning coach) Donny (Singe) before, so that helps you can focus on footy. I've had them for the majority of my career."
Hodkinson also worked with Manly physio James Rahme during his stint at the Bulldogs.
Both he and Elgey put their hands up to partner Cherry-Evans in Manly's final trial against the Sydney Roosters on Saturday night.
Elgey grubbered for one try and forced an error off one of his bombs in the lead-up to another, while Hodkinson kicked nicely in general play and looked solid in defence in the win.
"That (kicking)'s a natural part of halves, so you'd expect it anyway," Hasler said.
"Both the boys have got a lot of first-grade experience. They know what's required.
"They know pretty well from the off-season we just had what they need to execute and what they need to defensively.
"It's not as though either of them are rookies in that area."
Hasler wouldn't indicate whether the player who misses out on the No.6 jersey would remain on the bench as a utility.
