Tautau Moga is a step closer to making his NRL return after passing a private training test on his knee.
The centre tore his ACL earlier in the season but is improving at a rapid rate.
Back training with the fulltime squad, Head of Physical Performance, Balin Cupples revealed Moga is entering the final phase of his rehabilitation.
"Tau's been integrated with certain parts of the sessions over the past couple of weeks," Cupples told newcastleknights.com.au.
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"To go a little higher level with him, we took him off sight for some external assessments last Wednesday, to look at some kinetic and some variables, some jump land and decel (deceleration) mechanics to try and create that high level return for him and give us as much objective information we can get.
"We got some high-quality information back and things to work on over the next couple of months as he enters that final stage of his rehab.
"It's' exciting for Tau, he's getting in and amongst the group. There still a little bit of work to be done but as with Tau, across the whole of his rehab, he's been ticking plenty of boxes and working really hard."
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Meanwhile, Hymel Hunt is recovering from a shoulder injury.
The former South Sydney back arrived at the Club having had a labral repair.
"Similar to Tau, he's been in and around the group over the last couple of weeks, building through his contact progression, doing a lot of ground work with Woody and the rehab staff," Cupples said.
"Hitting those final stages of strength within the gym, both push-pull with his shoulder.
"(He) finally got into some positional specific training in the last week or so. Really strongly for him, he's coming through that and by the start of January he'll be back to full training.
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"It's exciting for Hymel he needs to keep working over the Christmas break and get back in and put some pressure on those OB's (outside backs) come January."
Injured players and expected return dates:
Hymel Hunt (Shoulder - Round 1)
Tautau Moga (ACL - Early Rounds)
Jacob Saifiti (Leg - Indefinite)
Slade Griffin (ACL - Indefinite)
