The Canterbury Bulldogs look set to receive a huge boost ahead of week one of the NRL finals with Jacob Kiraz pushing for an early return from injury.
Kiraz has been sidelined with a foot problem and was not expected back until at least the third week of the finals series.
In a surprise lift for the Bulldogs, the star winger is now considered a chance to face the Melbourne Storm this weekend.
Skipper Stephen Crichton spoke to Zero Tackle stated "He should be right" and revealed that Kiraz is on track, but his availability will depend on how he gets through training this week.
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"He's 50/50 right now. He has got a whole week of training that he's got to get through, but hopefully he passes all his training and gets to come in and play." Crichton further explained.
Crichton said the squad would gain plenty of confidence if Kiraz is cleared to play and that his inclusion would be a major boost to the backline and it is easy to see why.
Kiraz is first in offloads for the Bulldogs and second in the entire NRL, only behind Payne Haas, with his second-phase play sorely missed right now.
Along with that, Kiraz's work rate is first class, second only to fullback Connor Tracey in run metres, and he routinely helps his forward pack out with tough carries.
These are aspects of the Bulldogs' attack that have been missing since Kiraz went down, so there is no doubt his return will boost the side significantly.
The timing is crucial too, with fellow winger Marcelo Montoya ruled out for at least one week after injuring his ankle in the win over Cronulla.
The Bulldogs are hopeful Montoya can return during the finals campaign, but there were initial fears his season may already be over.
If Kiraz is not cleared to play, the Bulldogs will turn to rookie Jethro Rinakama or departing winger Blake Wilson to fill the void.
With a sudden-death clash against the Storm looming, the Bulldogs need all hands on deck if they are to cause an upset, and despite the Storm’s own injury concerns, they remain favourites this weekend.