Warriors strike weapon Manu Vatuvei could make an earlier-than-expected NRL return from knee surgery, with coach Brian McClennan saying the giant winger is a chance to make the trip to Brisbane next week.

Vatuvei has missed the Auckland-based club’s past two matches and the original forecast was that he would be sidelined for a further two weeks.

However, he ran freely at training on Wednesday as the Warriors prepared for their away match against Gold Coast on Saturday night.

“He won’t be ready for this week but the signs are looking good for him to be available the following week against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium,” McClennan said.

“That’s really good news.”

However, the news wasn’t so rosy for speedster Glen Fisiiahi, who was a late withdrawal before the 35-18 win over North Queensland last Sunday.

McClennan said early indications were that Fisiiahi, who reinjured a troublesome knee during an opposed training session, had ruptured the posterior cruciate ligament.

If that proved to be correct, the fullback/winger would be out for six to eight weeks.

Since making his debut at the start of last year, Fisiiahi has had his injury woes, which have contributed to restricting him to just eight first-grade appearances.

“He hasn’t had a lot of luck,” McClennan said.

“It is part of our business, but it’s a shame. We would love to give him more opportunities because he’s such an exciting prospect.”