Lawrence in for WestsCanberra's hopes of continuing their late season revival have suffered a major blow after scans confirmed Tom Learoyd-Lahrs is out for the season with a torn bicep – but the news is much better for the struggling Wests Tigers with Chris Lawrence set to make a comeback.
Lawrence's season appeared to be over when he suffered a dislocated hip in his side's Round 3 clash against the Raiders.
The injury was so serious it was feared it may end the 22-year-old's promising career, but the representative centre has stunned medicos with his progress and will line-up against the Eels at Parramatta Stadium on Friday night.
Lawrence is unlikely to have Benji Marshall (knee) playing alongside him, with the Kiwi skipper expected to spend another week on the sidelines, but prop Todd Payten will make his return from a knee injury.
While the news is mainly good for the Tigers, the Raiders were still coming to terms with Learoyd-Lahrs' latest injury setback on Tuesday.
"Tommy's been great for us so losing him for the rest of the year is a big blow for him and the team," coach David Furner said.
"He's been one of our best in the past few games and it's a disappointing loss so we're just hoping he has a good recovery and returns strong next year."
Josh Dugan is an outside chance to return from an ankle injury for Saturday's clash against the in-form Sharks, while prop David Shillington is still one to two weeks away.
"Josh has only just started rehab running and is yet to train with the full squad so he's still only a slight chance of being available," Furner said.
"With the short turnaround it's tough for him to be right by Saturday but we'll assess it later in the week."
Cronulla will be boosted by the return of Blues skipper Paul Gallen and unwanted NSW prop Kade Snowden, who was a late scratching last weekend with neck and back injuries.
Cowboys centre Willie Tonga makes his return from a five-week layoff with a shoulder injury suffered in Origin III, while hooker Aaron Payne is only a 50-50 chance to play against the Knights on Monday night after breaking a finger a fortnight ago.
Mid-season signing Cory Paterson is in line to make his debut for the Cowboys against his old side, while Brent Tate (knee) and Scott Bolton (calf) will both have to wait another week to return from lengthy layoffs.
Henry says he's simply not prepared to take any chances with Tate, who is recovering from a knee reconstruction.
"It's not worth the risk with Brent," Henry said.
He added of Payne's injury: "He's been able to do some light work with it but no contact as yet."
"We've got a few days with the longer turnaround until Monday so we'll see how it goes."
Knights coach Rick Stone has made six changes to the side that beat the Dragons on Sunday.
Skipper Kurt Gidley and winger Aquila Uate return from Origin duties while Jarrod Mullen is back from injury forcing promising youngster Ryan Stig to the bench.
Centre Keith Lulia (concussion), hooker Isaac de Gois (knee) are replaced by Adam MacDougall and Matt Hilder, while prop Evarn Tuimavave returns from a leg injury.
The struggling Warriors have received a major boost ahead of Friday's clash against the Titans in Auckland, with skipper Michael Luck set to make and sooner than expected return from a dislocated knee cap.
Luck suffered the horrific injury a month ago and was originally expected to miss eight weeks.
Sam Rapira is also likely to play after overcoming a dislocated thumb, while Kevin Locke returns from a knee injury.
The Warriors have lost halfback Brett Seymour (cheekbone), with rookie Shaun Johnson to wear the No.7 jumper.
Mat Rogers has not been named in the Titans' line-up, but the veteran is likely to travel with the squad after being lured out of retirement last week.
Source: Sportal
Topic: Big Tom's injury setback
