NZ Warriors are set to welcome back promising forward Eliesa Katoa for Sunday afternoon's NRL clash against the Cronulla Sharks.
Katoa hasn't played since the round six defeat to South Sydney Rabbitohs - Stephen Kearney's last game in charge - when he limped off the field in the first half with an ankle injury.
The Tongan native's emergence has been one of the few positives to emerge from a challenging Warriors season - the 20-year-old was one of the team's leading runners and had scored two tries before the injury.
Katoa can't wait to get back out on the field, after three long weeks on the sidelines.
"I'm hoping to back back on the field this week, but it's all up to the coach," says Katoa.
"I'm disappointed with what happened to my ankle, but it's part of footy. You just have to deal with it.
"Having the boys around, telling me not to rush it and be patient, I'm grateful for them. I can't wait to be back out on the field with the brothers."
While the Warriors welcome back Katoa, they still face the prospect of losing more players, as they have the option to return to New Zealand after the Sharks clash.
As it stands, wings David Fusitu'a and Ken Maumalo, as well as forwards Agnatius Paasi and King Vuniyayawa, will return home, unless the NRL can arrange travel exemptions for their families to enter Australia.
That doesn't seem unlikely, with a second COVID-19 wave hammering Victoria.
The relatives of the quartet have been unable to enter Australia due to global travel restrictions and the players threatened to walk away after last month's heavy defeat against Melbourne Storm, but were persuaded to remain with the team until July 19.
The team has already lost Levaha Pulu, who returned to Auckland after his pregnant wife was involved in a minor car accident.
Forward Isaiah Papali'ii isn't aware of any other players returning home, but knows the team will support those who decide to leave.
"I think it's more for them to worry about, rather than us as a team, because we have to keep moving forward no matter what," he says. "We will support the boys making that decision, but we're focused on Sunday's game.
"This whole year has been funny with things being up and down, so it will be another obstacle in the road, but we will sit down, if it does happen, sort it all out there and move on as quick as we can."
The Sharks present the first of five challenging games that will really test the team, with Sydney Roosters, Wests Tigers, Manly Sea Eagles and Penrith Panthers all looming over the next month.
Last time the Warriors played the Sharks, Blake Green kicked his first career field goal to secure a 19-18 win in Wellington last season.
Join us at 4pm Sunday for live updates of the NZ Warriors v Cronulla Sharks NRL clash
