SHELLHARBOUR product Euan Aitken is on the verge of making his return from an ankle injury, after being named in the New Zealand Warriors' 21-man squad to face the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Aitken, who has been out since round one after injuring his ankle against the Titans, is one of three names faces, along with second-rower Eliesa Katoa and halfback Chanel Harris-Tavita, in the Warriors side for the round nine match at Lottoland.
The Merimbula-Pambula junior has been named in the number 21 jersey, alongside fellow South Coast product Jack Murchie (Milton-Ulladulla) who is in the 18 jersey.
If these two do take to the field from 2pm Sunday, they will go head-to-head with Gerringong's Reuben Garrick, who will start on the wing for the Sea Eagles.
This is just one of eight fixtures that will take place during round nine - giving numerous South Coast talents a chance to shine.
The round will kick-off on Thursday at Stadium Australia when Nowra-born Cody Walker and his Rabbitohs host the Storm - headlined by Bega's Dale Finucane.
Then on Friday, the Sharks, featuring both Narooma's Teig Wilton and Pambula-born Jack Williams, will take on the first-placed Panthers at BlueBet Stadium.
Later that evening, the Eels, coached by Batemans Bay's Brad Arthur, entertain the Roosters at Bankwest Stadium - with the latter's side containing Kiama's Josh Morris and Albion Park-Oak Flats' Drew Hutchison.
The first game on Saturday will see the Batemans Bay's Adam O'Brien and his Knights travel to Wagga Wagga to lock horns with the Raiders.
Following that, Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans will face off at Campbelltown Sports Stadium - with the visitors' squad being coached by Milton-Ulladulla's Justin Holbrook and featuring Kiama's Mitch Rein at hooker.
The final game on Saturday will see the all-Queensland derby between the Cowboys and Broncos at Townsville - with Moruya's Rhys Kennedy named on the Brisbane bench.
The round will wrap up with the Dragons and Bulldogs fixture at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
Gerringong's Tariq Sims will start in the back-row for the Red V, with fellow Lions product Jackson Ford and Park's Adam Clune on the extended bench.
Tathra's Adam Elliott headlines the Bulldogs outfit for the clash.