Nathan Cleary shared a recovery photo on Saturday after his second operation on his right foot, watching the Australian PX XIII play PNG.
The Panthers and NSW halfback broke his leg in Newcastle's preliminary-final win, when Phoenix Crossland's hip-drop tackle sent him from the field.
Cleary defended the Knights dummy-half after he received criticism for the tackle.
Penrith Group CEO Andrew Hill told 2GB's Continuous Call Team that Cleary's recovery was going well, with a possible return in Round 1 and Round 4 the latest expected.
"Who knows what an injury, these days, takes," Hill said.
"What used to take three months, is now three weeks.
"Look the indication from the surgeon is everything going to plan.
"Round 1 to Round 4 we're expecting him to be back.
"As good as news as we could have hoped from a terrible, terrible injury."
Cleary won his first Dally M award this year, but the severity of his injury has prompted doubts about whether he can return to his best.
His father and coach, Ivan Cleary, rejected suggestions his son might lose motivation after achieving so much in the game.
"I know there is so much more to come as well, and I know he thinks that way as well," Ivan said.