NSW Waratahs coach Michael Foley says the signs are promising for Berrick Barnes to return to Super Rugby action against the Highlanders, but is resigned to losing back-up hooker Damien Fitzpatrick for a long period.

Classy Wallabies inside back Barnes has missed the Waratahs’ first two games against Queensland and Melbourne with a groin injury.

Together with flanker Pat McCutcheon, who is coming back from a calf injury, Barnes will be assessed after training on Tuesday, with the NSW team for Saturday’s game in Dunedin scheduled to be announced the following day.

“Tomorrow’s run will be the last to get through and I’m reluctant to tell you he (Barnes) is right to go until he does that, but things are looking promising,” Foley told reporters on Monday.

Foley didn’t give anything away about if and where Barnes would play if passed fit, but said he was very impressed with young utility back Bernard Foley, who starred in his first start at fullback against Melbourne.

He feared Fitzpatrick had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury which, if confirmed, would effectively rule him out for the season.

Foley said John Ulugia, who has made 24 Super Rugby appearances with the Waratahs and Brumbies, would back up first-choice hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and NSW would look at a couple of overseas-based players and club rugby for another No.2.

He said winger Drew Mitchell’s season was still in doubt due to a torn ankle tendon, but he hoped to have him back by mid-year.

Foley said inside centre Tom Carter, whose position could be threatened if Barnes is passed fit, has a slight eye infection but should be available for selection this week.

The Waratahs coach didn’t want to comment on the 10-game suspension handed out to Melbourne lock Adam Byrnes for coming into contact with Carter’s eye, but thought it probably was a vindication of the new white card system where referees can refer allegations to the citing commissioner.

AA