Newcastle Knights could welcome back rookie second rower Francis Manuleleua to return for the club's elimination final in a massive boost to their premiership credentials.
The rising talent went down with a nasty elbow dislocation in Round 26 against the Warriors, where he fell awkwardly and suffered the injury.
Scans revealed there were no fractures present from the incident, skyrocketing his chances of returning for the club's finals hunt.
CODE Sports is reporting Manuleleua is firming for a rapid return this weekend against South Sydney, bringing lethal attacking flair to the Knights' edge and marking an incredible comeback from what looked like a long-term injury.
“It's going good,” Manuleleua said to CODE Sports.
“The club's trying to give me the best chance to play this Friday, obviously got to tick a few boxes this week to try to get through contact.
“But yeah it feels good, all my movement's back, just got to get the swelling down a bit and I think I'll be sweet for this Friday. I'm a real good chance.”
Manuleleua made his NRL debut in Round 3 this year and immediately impressed as an 80-minute backrower with damaging power.
Since Dylan Lucas' long-term ankle injury in Round 21, Manuleleua has owned the left back row jersey, making his presence felt with his running game.
He has notched six try assists, eight-line breaks and 26 tackle breaks in his 11 NRL appearances to date, making plenty of fans in the Hunter excited at what the future holds for the New Zealand-born talent.
The Knights have been dealt a cruel injury fate during 2026, but have made miles of progress from where the club sat last year in last place under Adam O'Brien.
They will kick off the 2026 finals series when they travel to Sydney to face the Rabbitohs on Friday night.
