Sam Walker is nearing a comeback for the Sydney Roosters against the Dolphins on Friday, less than a month after suffering a syndesmosis injury.
Coach Trent Robinson is "pretty confident" the halfback will play after he resumed kicking and training last week.
His return would move Daly Cherry-Evans to five-eighth, with Hugo Savala potentially dropping to the bench.
Cherry-Evans, 37, will play his 378th NRL match, and possibly his last, if the Roosters lose their preliminary final.
The second-most capped player in NRL history dismissed links between the Dolphins and his father Troy, who played hooker for Redcliffe.
"At the end of the day we're playing a prelim," Cherry-Evans said.
After criticism during the Roosters' 19-12 qualifying-final defeat by Penrith, including a missed field goal, he responded against Cronulla with a try and three assists in a 46-10 victory.
He credited Ted Lasso's advice: "memory of a goldfish."
Cherry-Evans was fined $1000 for tripping Teig Wilton, while Walker has impressed during recovery.
Angus Crichton said Walker was running and kicking at training, adding, "He is a big part of this team".