As the Newcastle Knights prepare to take on the Sydney Roosters, interim coach Danny Buderus provided an injury update on a number of players following Tuesday's training session.
Kade Snowden, who was concussed in the 12th minute of Sunday's loss at Jubliee Oval, needs to undergo the required tests this week.
“If I’m realistic, he might miss a week, but hopefully we will get Dave Fa’alogo (neck) back,” Buderus said.
“If we don’t, we will be pretty skinny up front, but I have faith that they will play better.
“It will be a learning curve for a couple of these younger guys.”
Forward Tariq Sims is also eager to make his return to the field after an ongoing shoulder injury sidelined his last week.
“I gave Tariq a rest to get him ready for the back end of this season,” Buderus added.
Inconsistency in the Knights’ spine has affected the team throughout the year and is something Buderus will look to level as the season winds up.
“That has been a problem all year, our 9,6,7 and 1. We can’t seem to get back-to-back weeks,” he said.
Five-eighth Carlos Tuimavave, who replaced injured half Jarrod Mullen last weekend, didn’t train on Tuesday due to an ongoing injury.
“Who we picked there, I’m not sure but I might go for something different,” he admitted.
Buderus indicated Tyler Randell could be in the mix in the halves after a standout performance on Sunday while Sam Mataora is on standby for up front.
Meanwhile, mainstay wingers James McManus (concussion) and Akuila Uate (knee) will need to prove fitness this week for a return to the field on Sunday.
“Jimmy (McManus) is probably not up for selection at this time," he admitted.
“But I was really impressed with Nathan Ross. He did a good job.
“He brought exactly what we wanted in enthusiasm and energy and got himself a try and Jake (Mamo) is never going to let you down, he’s going to back himself."
With a number of decisions to be made, the Knights announce the Round 22 team at 5pm on Tuesday.
