NZ Warriors coach Stephen Kearney is confident star back David Fusitu'a will be part of the run-on side for Friday's clash with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The 25-year-old has been named on the extended bench, having not featured since the round two loss to the Canberra Raiders back in March.
Personal issues meant he was unable to join the squad on their initial trip across the Tasman, forcing him to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine separate from the rest of the squad.
But Kearney believes the Tonga international is now back up to speed and should be ready to retake the field at Bankwest Stadium.
"He's had a fair preparation for this weekend, so we're hopeful that he pulls up okay from today," Kearney says.
"We've got one more run tomorrow and I'm pretty hopeful he's going to be okay to take his place in the team on Friday."
The try-scoring machine would add another potent weapon to the Warriors attack against the Sydneysiders, as they look to string together back-to-back wins for the first time in 2020.
Exactly where Fusitu'a will take his place in the line up is yet to be determined.
The Warriors have chosen to shift him inside from his regular wing to the centres this season.
But off the back of Gerard Beale and Peta Hiku's encouraging combination against the Cowboys, they may also choose to return him to the outside in place of Adam Pompey or Patrick Herbert on Friday.
Kearney says he and his staff will assess what's required against the Bunnies and make a decision closer to kick-off.
"That's something that we're juggling at the moment, where he's best going to suit the footy team," he says.
"Both Gerard and Adam have done a really good job, Patrick also and Peta last week. So, if he takes the field for us on Friday, it will be in a position where we think he's best going to suit us for this game.
"He's fortunate that he's able to play in the wing and the centres, so we'll just have to wait and see how he pulls up."
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