Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has declared that acrobatic winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is set to return and make his case for a State of Origin spot.
Nawaqanitawase was named on the bench for the Roosters' NRL clash against Canberra, after sustaining an ankle injury that required surgery in May.
Robinson said Nawaqanitawase got through training successfully and is firming to play at a cool GIO Stadium on Friday night.
His addition comes at a perfect time after the coach learnt that stand-in winger Cody Ramsey wouldn't take the field in the nation's capital because of illness.
But Robinson insists the Tricolours can't rely solely on Nawaqanitawase to provide the spark as they come into the clash following two poor performances, where they scored just 16 points.
"He (Nawaqanitawase) is looking well. Yesterday was the real test for us to make sure that he was right to tick off everything he needed after that syndesmosis," Robinson said.
"So it's looking good for him to play tomorrow.
"He's a high-quality player, but ... it's just a team concept rather than an individual that's going to change it."
The 25-year-old was floated as a NSW squad option for the series opener and with the Blues game two team announcement looming, Nawaqanitawase will have the opportunity to push his case.
It won't be easy for the Roosters superstar though, especially with the incumbent Tolu Koula cleared from HIA protocols early and Penrith young gun Casey McLean remaining in the frame for the No.5 jersey.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart is also looking to spoil the winger's potential return, with Canberra looking to build some consistency after a lean start to their minor premiership defence.
Their clash comes amid circulating rumours that barnstorming second-rower Hudson Young has ramped up talks to stay with Canberra.
With Young's contract set to expire at the end of the 2027 season, he will be free to negotiate with other clubs come November 1, but Stuart knows how important his signature is to the Raiders' future.
"I'm sure he'll be a one-club player, and he's got every capability in the world to be our captain at the club one day," Stuart said.
"He's a Raider, and his future's here, and he's such an integral part of the team.
"He had a lot of adversity as a young player that the club stuck by him with, and I feel his performances are for the club."
With centre Sebastian Kris (concussion) out, Stuart has thrust Daine Laurie into the No.3 jersey after starring at both lock and five-eighth in recent weeks, while Jayden Brailey returns from concussion.
Australian Associated Press
