Keaon Koloamatangi is expected to be named for South Sydney this week in a huge boost ahead of their clash with the Dragons as per reports in the Daily Telegraph from Michael Carayannis.
There had been fears earlier in the season that the star edge forward could miss the remainder of the year, but his recovery has gone better than first thought and he is now pushing to play.
If he does complete a return this round as expected, it will be a remarkable turn around to return to play so soon after syndesmosis surgery.
Koloamatangi has been sidelined since injuring his ankle in the Rabbitohs round 20 match against the Panthers, and his absence has been felt heavily by the Rabbitohs during a season where they have struggled to find consistency.
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At his best, the 27-year-old is one of the most damaging forwards in the competition, combining powerful running with relentless defence and a strong motor through the middle.
The Rabbitohs are currently locked in a battle to avoid finishing last on the ladder, and the potential return of Koloamatangi could be the spark they need to climb away from the wooden spoon.
Wayne Bennett will be eager to have one of his pack leaders back on deck, not only for his production on the field but also for the lift it can give the squad as they head into the final rounds.
His move to the middle again, as occurred during last season, was a revelation that elevated him into almost returning to State of Origin once again after being one of the form forwards in the competition prior to his injury.
With a difficult run home still ahead though, South Sydney’s chances of finishing the season on a positive note may well hinge on having their big big name troops back on the park.
Thankfully for Rabbitohs fans, over the past fortnight several star players have returned with the team now looking the healthiest it has for several months, and that may prove the difference in the final month of football.