Sydney Roosters are set to have Sam Walker back on deck for the tri-colours' preliminary final against the Dolphins on Friday.
Walker took part in training with the Roosters' side in the club's first hit-out since their semi-final demolition job on Cronulla last weekend.
Fresh reports from News Corp reveal he is expected to be fit to play after getting through training on Monday, marking a miraculous comeback after his syndesmosis injury in Round 26.
Fears were widely spread that Walker's season would be finished after he fell awkwardly in the match against the Dolphins a month ago.
Walker limped off the field, but swift keyhole surgery the following day meant he had a slim chance to return in the later weeks of the season.
The 24-year-old playmaker has had an incredibly strong 2026 campaign, making his State of Origin debut and taking home Player of the Match honours in Game 2.
In his best season to date since his NRL debut in 2021, Walker has emerged as a top playmaker in the competition after going up another gear.
Naufahu Whyte trained with the side on Monday despite revelations of an ongoing hamstring injury he has been battling in the background.
“I had a hamstring injury and have been carrying it for the past couple of weeks,” Whyte said to News Corp.
“I probably wasn't needed against the Sharks after the boys dominated, so it was good to rest it up so I can try to push it to 100 per cent before Friday. There are no concerns. I'm all good and ready to go.
“I was meant to go back on. I spoke to Robbo and asked him if there were any concerns, but he was just doing the best for me to make sure I was 100 per cent coming in to these next two games."
Meanwhile, Lindsay Collins didn't train with the side, but is set to be good to go for Friday's do-or-die clash as he manages his training workload leading into the finishing weeks of the season.
News Corp reports indicate Walker was alternating with Hugo Savala in the halves positions alongside Daly Cherry-Evans, raising speculation on how big a role Walker will have on Friday if he gets the green light.
The Roosters are at their brilliant best with Walker running the ship, and after a dominant win over the Sharks, his timely return is crucial as the club looks for its first title in seven years.
The Roosters will travel north to Brisbane to face the Dolphins on Friday night, who are well-rested following a week-off.
The winner will be the first side to progress into the 2026 Grand Final and will face either Penrith or Newcastle on the first weekend of October.
