Lucas racing clock for Knights semi-final against Warriors
Dylan Lucas has a chance to return from a fractured ankle for Newcastle's NRL semi-final against the Warriors on Sunday.
Dylan Lucas is in the frame to make a stunning return from ankle surgery for Newcastle's do-or-die semi-final in Auckland. The NSW representative has been sidelined since round 21 but completed running drills this week.
Coach Justin Holbrook will make a final call on Saturday. Lucas's hard running and tight defence would be a major boost for the Knights, who beat South Sydney last week.
Holbrook originally expected a 10-week recovery, so Lucas's progress has exceeded expectations. "If he gets there on Sunday, we'll all be happy for Dyl," Holbrook told reporters.
Currently, Jermaine McEwen and Francis Manuleleua hold the second-rower spots. Holbrook is confident they can step up if Lucas is unavailable.
The Knights will face a 50,000-strong crowd at Eden Park but Holbrook believes his younger team can rise to the occasion.
- Round 21
- Sidelined since
- 10 weeks
- Original recovery time
- 50,000
- Eden Park crowd
- 2013
- Last preliminary final
Why it mattersLucas's return would significantly improve Newcastle's chances of reaching a preliminary final for the first time since 2013.
AustraliaNewcastle fans are hoping for Lucas's return to boost their NRL finals chances, and a win in Auckland would keep the Knights' premiership dream alive.
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