Parramatta will welcome back skipper Clint Gutherson and representative prop Junior Paulo in the coming days after missing full training to recover from knee and toe ailments, respectively.
In a January 23 update, the club stated that after each undergoing surgery over the off-season, the pair is reaching full fitness, while Makahesi Makatoa (pec) and Daejarn Asi (finger) have now rejoined the main training group after finishing their respective recovery periods following surgery.
In excellent news for the Warriors and Broncos, halves Shaun Johnson and Adam Reynolds are still on pace for Round 1 despite pre-season injuries.
Reynolds caused concern in the Broncos’ camp after being helped off the field during a training session, with the club subsequently admitting the 33-year-old suffered a strain to his right foot but was anticipated to miss only a few days of practice.
Meanwhile, the Warriors expect Johnson to resume jogging in the latter week of January, after suffering a minor ankle issue that required him to wear a moon boot.
Balin Cupples, the club’s head of performance, also provided updates on winger Ed Kosi and rookie back rower Demitric Sifakula, with Kosi due to return in the opening stages of the competition following a scaphoid repair and Sifakula on pace for a mid-season return from ACL surgery.
At the Dolphins, playmaker Anthony Milford’s hamstring injury may keep him out of the Pre-Season Challenge, with the veteran not likely to return until the second week of February.
Titans player David Fifita has returned to training after having surgery to repair a partial pectoral rupture in December, and he is increasing his running load in an effort to regain normal movement.
Fullback Tom Chester has returned to full training with the Cowboys, hoping to be eligible for the club’s Pre-Season Challenge matches in February.
Chester’s return to normal activity on January 15 comes less than nine months on from him rupturing his ACL in Round 9 last year.
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