Brisbane hooker Andrew McCullough is hopeful of a prompt return from injury after emerging at training with the NRL club on Monday.

McCullough did not train with the main group but ran with his leg strapped in an encouraging sign just two weeks after breaking down with a hamstring injury.

McCullough was expected to miss up to six weeks after limping off during Brisbane’s 30-8 NRL win over South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium on April 22.

McCullough said he would reassess a return date next week after running strongly on Monday.

The Broncos rely heavily on McCullough during the representative period, which is looming, and will be sweating on his return.

“The hammy is just hard to diagnose and I don’t want to push it with such a crucial period coming up,” McCullough said.