Manly are considering rushing captain Matt Orford back from injury and straight into their starting line-up for Sunday's NRL clash with the Gold Coast.
The halfback trained with his teammates for the first time in over a month at Narrabeen, ending his non-contact session with some goalkicking practice.
The 28-year-old has not played since injuring his left ankle against Canberra in round one, but coach Des Hasler hasn't ruled out throwing Orford immediately into the fray despite the club's undefeated start to 2007.
Orford wasn't named for the clash at Brookvale Oval but did admit he was a "slight chance" to play on Sunday if he comes through a contact training session on Friday.
"Yeah I think I'm a slight chance but there isn't any pressure," he said.
"Even if I pull up well after doing some heavier sessions there is no rush. I don't want to come back for one match and be out for another four.
"That was the first (session with the team) and by no means was it a big session but it's good to get back with the boys and get my hands on the ball again.
"That's my first time having shots at goal and I'm a little bit sore now.
"Contact is probably the biggest thing, being twisted.
"I'm nowhere near that stage as yet.
"I'll see how I pull up."
Hasler may be reluctant to rush Orford given the club's five-game winning streak, but with Brent Kite and Jamie Lyon forced to back up from the Anzac Test he won't finalise his side until Sunday morning.
"We are fortunate enough with our start to be in a position where we don't have to take half gambles and rush an injured player back," said Hasler.
"We'll give him as long as it takes and see how it comes up after some contact, tackling, footwork and change of direction."
Hasler said veteran Steve Menzies (abdomen) and Kiwi international centre Steve Matai (ankle) remain at least a fortnight away.
Kick off is at 2pm Sunday, Brookvale Oval
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