Newcastle Knights head coach Justin Holbrook has not ruled out a return for Dylan Lucas in the club's semi-final against the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday.
Lucas suffered what seemed to be a season-ending injury in Round 21 against the Sydney Roosters. He fractured and dislocated his left ankle during the match and was initially ruled out of the 2026 season following his immediate surgery.
Lucas has since been named in the reserves for Newcastle, with Holbrook commending his rehabilitation process and desire to rejoin the side, with there now being a chance he will make a miracle eight-week recovery to take on the Warriors.
"Right from the day he got injured, he was wanting to fast-track himself and do everything right, so if he gets there on Sunday, we will all be happy and be happy for Dyl," Holbrook said.
"This time of year is exciting... It's great as a coach to have players fighting to get back on the field.
"It's what you want to see in your group, and the boys are doing it."
Holbrook also lumped praise on his other edge back-rowers, Jermaine McEwan and Francis Manuleleua who have stood up in the absence of Lucas.
Coming off the back of stellar performances in Newcastle's elimination final win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs, both youngsters look to retain their starting positions as they progress further into the finals.
"[They've been] excellent, and obviously both of them," Holbrook said.
"They had a lot to work on, and to both of their credits, they've done that... Jermaine, from the start of the year, has forced his way in, and now Francis, with his opportunity, has been outstanding for us.
"To both our backrowers, they're doing a great job, and we need them to do that again Sunday, its a bigger test again."
The Knights will travel to Auckland to face the Warriors for a spot against the Penrith Panthers in the preliminary finals.
