Broncos coach Anthony Griffin has welcomed back English international centre Jack Reed from injury weeks ahead of schedule for their crunch NRL clash in Newcastle on Friday night.
But the jury is still out on ex-Test prop Ben Hannant.
Griffin was initially forced to name his seventh left centre of the season – David Stagg – for the must-win Knights showdown after Alex Glenn broke his thumb in last round’s last gasp triumph over North Queensland.
However, the cavalry is starting to return for the Broncos who must keep winning to remain a finals chance.
Reed will be rushed back into the side after making a faster than expected recovery from a fractured collarbone.
He suffered the shoulder injury against Melbourne on July 5 and was expected to miss up to six weeks.
“Reedy looks okay. He’s a real tough player, he’s the type of player you want in your side every week,” Griffin said.
“He’s just one of those guys who loves the battle.”
Reed got the green light from Griffin on Thursday after completing training with another injury concern Hannant.
Griffin said Hannant was a chance of starting on Friday night on the bench but would wait to see how he pulled up from Thursday training.
“If he got through today and the medical people say he’s right we will put him out there,” he said.
“But we’ve got to be careful. With calf injuries you think it is right and he has for a couple of weeks and then they are not.”
Hannant has been frustrated throughout the season by the calf complaint.