New Zealand Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has revealed that Issac Luke and Blake Green are on track to play in round one.
Luke has been out with a shoulder injury that required surgery and resulted in Newcastle withdrawing their contract offer.
Kearney has been encouraged by the recent progress Luke has made in his recovery.
"He's tracking along nicely. Providing the next couple of weeks are good to him he should be okay for round one," Kearney told stuff.co.nz.
Meanwhile, Green is recovering from a hamstring strain suffered in pre-season training.
The injury, while not serious, has restricted Greenโs pre-season, but Kearney believes he will be ready for the trial game and Wests Tigers next week.
"His running has improved every day," Kearney said. "He was up and running not long after he put a slight strain in [his hamstring], which was a good sign. We've just to keep track of him. The next week or so is important for him to be part of the second trial."
The Warriors host the Bulldogs at Mount Smart Stadium in round one on March 16.
With Johnstone shown the front door the Warriors have shot themselves in the big toe and will miss the eight 100%. Not even the great Tuivasa-Shreck can save them. That reminds me I hope he has a DVD of the 2013 grand final victory at the Roosters. Because Roger will never again play grand final footy while playing for the Warriors.