Brett Ferres could feature for the Huddersfield Giants in Saturday’s home trial test against Hull KR.
But Shaun Lunt is still a doubt for the clash against the Robins (3.00).
Both men were left out of the squad that would have played at Wakefield on Sunday, had it not been cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.
England World Cup back-row star Ferres was still recovering from an ankle operation, while hooker Lunt only returned to full training this week after ankle and shoulder surgery.
With the Giants’ opening Super League test at Wigan now just nine days away, Giants coach Paul Anderson would have liked both men to have been available for this weekend’s fixture.
But if they don’t feature against the Robins, the Huddersfield chief remains confident they’ll be ready for the trip to the DW Stadium on the opening night.
“All being well, Brett will feature. He’s very close,” said Anderson.
“But if there’s any slight risk, we’ll probably err on the side of caution.
“Brett’s obviously a very, very good player and everyone knows exactly what he can do.
“We’d certainly have no real hesitation in putting him in ‘cold’ at Wigan if we have to.
“And that’s the very same with Lunty, who remains slightly more of a doubt this weekend.
“If they don’t play it’ll be disappointing, but it’s more important they’re right for next Friday.”
