Matthews Confident of Return
Monday 18th April, 2005

Black's front rower Daniel Matthews is confident of a return to the playing field early in the second round of home and away matches in the Tooheys League competition. Matthews was previously diagnosed with a fractured back, but the injury is not as serious as first thought.

After a few weeks of rest, Matthews has started to see the signs of a good recovery. He will undergo further rest and medical treatment before re-commencing training to strengthen his back and regain some lost fitness.

Matthews is confident he will be available for selection in around eight weeks, which would set his return match as the round 11 fixture against Corrimal at Noel Mulligan Oval.

Port's other player concerns seem to be easing with prop Michael Cross expected to be selected in this weekend's team. Craig Simon has come through his first game back from injury unscathed and will be a certainty to line up again in the centres.

Lincoln Hutchison is expected to be available after problems with his wisdom teeth forced him out of the weekend's win over Wollongong. Ben Carr made a surprise return against the Bulls and will be right to go up against The Tigers at Rex Jackson Oval this weekend.

Nathan Heffernan remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Junior Phillip will undergo a fitness test this week before taking his place in the Black's squad.

Port were bolstered by the form of first grade debutant Jess King who came into the starting side to replace Hutchison. King played strongly in his first run on game in the top side and will offer coach Simon another option for the First Grade starting line-up.

Meanwhile, the Wollongong Asphalt Under 18's side will be without Dean Erskine who is out with a leg injury. Matt Nagy should return this week after missing the win over Dapto. The team will learn midweek whether Matthew Michalowski will return to the side after spending the last two weeks as a First Grade starting centre.