Sam Walker remains a possibility for the Sydney Roosters' preliminary final if they overcome Cronulla, despite undergoing ankle surgery three weeks ago.
Walker has resumed running and some training, prompting coach Trent Robinson to describe his recovery as encouraging.
"It's good (Walker had) another good progression this week," Robinson said.
"He's a chance (to play next week)."
Angus Crichton, however, is certain to return against the Sharks on Saturday at Allianz Stadium.
The 30-year-old has not played since round 15 because of a foot injury and was withdrawn shortly before last week's qualifying-final defeat by Penrith.
Robinson confirmed the 17-time State of Origin forward had been cleared after overcoming the problems that prevented him from playing last week.
"(He's) ready to go," Robinson said on Friday. "He wasn't ready to go last week, that was the truth of it. He still had some issues last week and he hasn't had them this week, so ready to go."
Crichton could start or replace young forward Salesi Foketi from the bench, with Robinson saying, "Gus is ready to go, he'll be in the mix. He's going to hunt."
The Roosters would meet the Dolphins in a preliminary final with victory, while Cronulla is coached by Robinson's former protégé Craig Fitzgibbon.
Saturday's match follows only six days after the Penrith game, and another short turnaround would follow a win.
Robinson accepted the demanding schedule, saying, "they're the cards we're dealt and we're ready to play on six days, five days, four days, whatever it takes."
The finals draw reflects scheduling pressures involving Australian and New Zealand broadcasters, while Newcastle receives nine days before facing the Warriors.