Top Huddersfield Giants stars Leroy Cudjoe and Brett Ferres are in the frame for Sunday’s Super League trip to Widnes Vikings.
The England duo are back to full fitness after recovering from knee surgery and could be joined in the 19-man squad by in-form utility back Aaron Murphy, who is also closing in on a return following a knee injury.
Huddersfield chief Paul Anderson admits it’s 50-50 whether Murphy will be fully fit to feature at the Select Security Stadium as the Giants bid to strengthen their top-four challenge.
But with Cudjoe and Ferres having played a full part in Wednesday’s training sessions – Cudjoe has been sidelined since the Challenge Cup defeat at Leeds a month ago and Ferres has missed the last two games – Anderson knows he faces a potentially massive selection headache.
“We’re obviously delighted to get Leroy and Brett back fully fit this week,” said Anderson.
“But it’s given the coaching staff a real headache.
“Everyone contributed to what was a very good win over Warrington at the weekend, and it’s going to be a big call to bring Leroy and Brett straight back in, even though they are established England players.
“We’ve clearly got to take into account the fact we’re playing on Widnes’s artificial pitch this weekend and whether it’s an ideal first game back for players who are just back following knee surgery. It’s a very firm surface.
“We will be having a run-through on our own artificial pitch at Leeds Road Playing Fields later in the week when they, along with everyone else, will be put to the test to see how they go.
“And that will play a big part for when we have to make some very difficult decisions.”
