As the Newcastle Knights prepare to take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium this Saturday night, there is mixed news on the injury front.
Adam Clydsdale is set to return from a shoulder injury however Dane Gagai and Akuila Uate remain in doubt.
“Clydsy probably could have played at a pinch last week, but we thought we’d give him another week,” coach Rick Stone told the media on Wednesday.
“After doing some contact yesterday and today, he’s confident that he’s going to get to the posts this week which is good.”
The news isn't so bright for Uate, who continues to struggle with a knee injury following Saturday’s win over the Gold Coast Titans.
“Aku’s doubtfu, his knee has swollen up a little bit and he’s got another scan today,” Stone added.
“He’s walking a bit better today, but after he was on crutches yesterday we’ll just have to play it by ear.
“If he can’t be running freely by Friday then he won’t be playing either.”
Meanwhile for Gagai, he continues to undergo cardiology tests to determine when he can return to training and playing.
“Obviously the tests are still continuing for Dane, he’s in good spirits and good shape at the moment,” Stone said.
“He’s got a few more tests today and tomorrow to see whether he can push forwards to play this weekend.”
“At the moment you’d probably have to say that he’s doubtful… his health is the most important thing at this time.”
Even though Gagai hasn’t been able to train, he has been in at the Club and around is teammates this week.
“Dane was pretty good this morning, he came to the team meeting and he talked a little bit about his ordeal,” Stone said.
“I suppose it can be quite confronting, but he’s handled it pretty well.”
While Stone will wait on making any line-up decisions until later in the week, Sione Mata’utia could return from a concussion.
“Sione didn’t play with concussion last week and he’s got to pass the concussion test this week but hopefully that’ll be a formality,” Stone concluded.
