Cronulla Sharks five-eighth Braydon Trindall is expected to be ready in week one of the NRL finals series after dislocating his shoulder a fortnight ago, initially spreading fears he would miss out on the remainder of the season.
Although a long-term issue is not the case, with News Corp reporting Trindall is progressing on schedule after he was spotted at Sharks training moving comfortably and on light duties.
The star five-eighth grubbered to himself in the opening minutes of the match against the Raiders in Round 24, slamming the ball down in the in-goal and injuring himself in the process.
Trindall was quickly aided off the field and was relieved of his pain once the shoulder easily slipped back into place in the sheds, but his side dropped a crucial match in his absence.
Scans following the loss revealed no further structural damage to his shoulder outside of the dislocation, with the club confirming immediate rehabilitation in a bid to have him return before the end of the season.
It is a massive boost for the Sharks in their premiership hunt, who are on the search for their first title in 10 years.
Trindall has been one of the top playmakers in the competition this year and was striking a formidable combination down the left side with William Kennedy and KL Iro before his injury.
Trindall still sits first on try assists in the NRL despite being out for the past two matches, with 30 assists in 21 games this year.
The Sharks will need to have him back on deck if they are to go deep in the finals hunt and look to finish in either fourth or fifth place.
Although there is some mystery around where they will host a home final, given Ocean Protect Stadium has had limited capacity due to ongoing construction in past years.
Trindall won't be selected for this weekend's clash and remains at long-odds to feature in their final game of the regular season against the Storm in the Shire.
Niwhai Puru has been named at five-eighth alongside Nicho Hynes when the Sharks face the Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.
