Manly are expected to spring a selection shock and bring Tony Williams back from the NRL abyss for their elimination final against Cronulla.
With the Sea Eagles stricken by injuries in the past three weeks, Williams has been playing reserve grade for Manly after being let go at the end of last year by Parramatta.
Once one of the most-menacing players in the NRL, Williams played five Tests for Australia in 2011 and 2012, spending most of his career under coach Des Hasler.
But the 30-year-old has played just six games in the past three seasons, with injuries and off-field problems taking their toll at Cronulla and Parramatta.
His last first-grade game was more than 16 months ago – on April 29 last year for the Eels.
Manly would need NRL clearance from for him to play. However, they stand a firm chance with almost a third of their top-30 squad injured or suspended.
That list includes back-rowers Joel Thompson (arm), Curtis Sironen (foot) and Jack Gosiewski (leg), and starting prop Martin Taupau (suspension).
“It’s challenging,” prop Addin Fonua-Blake said.
“But if we’re able to win on the weekend, a backs-to-the-wall thing like it always is at the club.
“(Coach) Des (Hasler) loves us flying under the radar. It comes with wearing the maroon and white. When you sign up, your back is already against the wall.”
Sea Eagles captain Daly Cherry-Evans on Monday laughed off the suggestion of a Williams return, but it’s believed it had firmed to be far more likely.
If Williams is picked, it’s likely it will only be among the reserves.
The former NSW State of Origin player was cut by Parramatta after recording a second strike under the NRL’s illicit drugs policy.
He returned in June for Manly’s feeder club Blacktown Workers.