Tinirau Arona and Junior Roqica are set to return earlier than expected, with the pair to turn out with the Newtown Jets this weekend after overcoming injury concerns.
Arona missed the match with the Titans due to a hamstring strain and was expected to be out of action until the Sharks round 12 clash with the Dragons, however after the injury responded to treatment the hard-working forward has been cleared to play this weekend.
He will play for the Jets in a bid to build up his match fitness ahead of the NRL derby match on May 31.
As for Roqica, a broken hand has seen him sidelined for a number of weeks and a round 12 return had also been predicted, but again the injury has recovered ahead of schedule and the Fijian international will go around for the Jets in their game against Wentworthville on Sunday.
With injury and suspension affecting the Sharks squad Roqica could push for NRL selection with a successful return and strong outing for the Jets.
In other Sharks injury news, jayson Bukuya had a scare on the Gold Coast last Saturday, coming off with what was suspected to be a broken arm, however x-rays and scans were conducted immediately after the match and cleared him of any breaks or fractures.
Bukuya has trained this week and will be fit to face the Dragons next weekend.
As for the other Sharks on the injury list, Sosaia Feki, Ricky Leutele and Paul Gallen are getting closer to a return, with medical staff monitoring their progress regarding them potentially being available for the Dragons game, although the Roosters match in round 13 seems more realistic.
Chris Heighington, while suspended and not injured, is also sidelined until round 13.
And in a final word on Luke Lewis, the experienced back rower wasn’t injured when taken from the field in the Titans match and will definitely be on deck for the Sharks next outing at Kogarah Oval on Sunday week.
Go to the Sharks injury report page for all the up to date injury news.
CLICK HERE for the injury update page - http://www.sharks.com.au/info/injury-update.html
