South Sydney have hosed down hopes of Glenn Stewart making a surprise return against former side Manly in their Friday night NRL clash.
Stewart is nursing a thumb injury and, while he returned to training with the squad this week, coach Michael Maguire said on Wednesday the club's medical staff were taking a cautious approach.
The 31-year-old underwent surgery on a torn tendon in April and is scheduled to return next week at the earliest.
Maguire said he was pleased with Stewart's progress but did not expect him back to face the Sea Eagles.
Stewart coming up against his old side for the first time is a tantalising prospect for both sets of fans.
He spent 12 years at Sydney's north shore before being squeezed out last season and joining the Rabbitohs.
"He's come a long way (in his recovery)," Maguire said.
"He's been out for quite some time and our performance unit have been working really hard with him.
"He's obviously able to grip (a football) and get a bit of strength.
"But it's really about having that confidence and over the next couple of days throughout our training sessions we'll see where he's at."
Maguire also said troubled former Gold Coast utility Paul Carter was making strong progress towards an NRL return.
Carter, the son of Penrith premiership winner Steve Carter, was sacked by the Titans late last year after twice being caught drink driving.
He was thrown a lifeline by the Rabbitohs earlier this month and will play NSW Cup for feeder side North Sydney this weekend.
Maguire said Carter had shown up at Redfern in good condition and had impressed him with his character and attitude.
"(His fitness levels) were surprisingly very good," he said.
"He faced a couple of tough sessions but he showed a lot of mental toughness through that so we're looking forward to having him a part of us."
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