NZ Warriors half Te Maire Martin is still another two weeks away from a return to action, as the movable feast of his recovery from a broken leg finally nears its end.
Martin, 27, was sidelined by a fractured left fibula after the round seven NRL clash with Newcastle Knights in early April, an injury expected to keep him out eight weeks.
That rehabilitation has dragged to round 24, with coach Andrew Webster admitting the Warriors' penultimate regular season fixture against St George Dragons on August 25 has been circled for a return.
"I keep saying two weeks, I think I have to actually look at the schedule and get it right for you," he said. "It's been the longest two weeks ever."
In Martin's absence, the Warriors have uncovered a hidden gem in former Cronulla Sharks half Luke Metcalf, whose combination with resurgent veteran Shaun Johnson has helped steer the team to a four-game winning streak and seven victories in their last eight outings, as they climb to third on the NRL ladder.
While Martin's form to start the season was solid, he may struggle to unseat the player who has filled his position in his absence, but Webster refuses to let this predicament trouble him.
"In the two or three weeks, there's so much to happen between now and then," he said. "A week in the NRL is just crazy.
"If that happens, I want that headache... I want a good headache. I thought we had that headache with our forward pack for the first time this season and if that happens, we'll make the right decision at the right time.
"Right now, it's not even crossing my mind. We're just happy with the combination that's there.
"Luke's making really good progress, but knows he's got to work on things, and Shaun's building combination with him.
"There's just too much of a focus to worry about something that might not even happen, because there's so much to happen between now and then. If it does, that's great."
Webster faced a similar dilemma, as forward Jazz Tevaga returned from an extended calf niggle. He was re-introduced to the playing line-up against Gold Coast Titans last Friday, logging 20 minutes, as the pack rotation was tweaked.
Martin has not yet trained with the team, but looks great in individual workouts. Webster hints he may have to ease his way back into contention, via NSW Cup play.
"It's case by case," he said. "On the weekend, I felt like Jazz definitely needed 20 minutes and didn't feel like he would learn the lessons he needed to learn in reserve grade.
"Some players might need that reserve grade. Sometimes, it's not even about form or someone's done something poor - you've just got to find some gametime for some people.
"Jazz needed that on the weekend. Case by case, Te Maire could be completely different, but we'll cross the bridge when we come to it.
"I haven't seen him train with the group yet. His skill could be off, he could be rusty or looking flashy... I'm more focused on how Luke and Shaun are going."
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