Catalans Dragons are hopeful they’ll be able to unleash high-profile recruit Todd Carney for his Super League debut this weekend against Castleford.

Carney, a one-time international player of the year who is arguably Super League’s most high-profile import this year, and fellow Australian Scott Dureau both sat out last Friday’s opening match at St Helens with calf strains sustained in pre-season training.

Dureau has already been passed fit while coach Laurent Frayssinous will make a decision on Friday about Carney, who was a late withdrawal last week.

“He went through the session today which is a good sign,” Frayssinous said.

“I need more time to speak with the medical staff as well as with Todd and we’ll make a decision (on Friday).

“I don’t want to pressure him because there is a lot of expectation on him. He feels very frustrated over what has happened over the last few weeks.

“He did very well at the start of the pre-season before Christmas and after Christmas he started to pick up some small injuries. It is a long competition – there are more than 30 games – and I need to take that into consideration.

“He is one of the most exciting players in the comp and one of the best halves in the world but I need him to tick all the boxes before I play him.”

Meanwhile, Australian centre Willie Tonga has been given the all-clear to resume, after he was knocked out 12 seconds into his unforgettable debut.

“He remembered everything about it, how he put his head on the wrong side (while making a tackle), which was a good sign,” Frayssinous said of Tonga.

“He can’t wait for the weekend. He passed the CogSport test and (on Thursday) he did a full session so he will be fine for the weekend.”