Ryan Hoffman will make a timely return to the National Rugby League for the Warriors this weekend as the struggling Auckland side seek to stay in the hunt for a finals berth.
The back-rower has missed the Warriors' last five matches since suffering a calf injury while playing for New South Wales in the State of Origin last month.
The ninth-placed Warriors need to win all four of their remaining regular-season fixtures to guarantee a playoff spot, starting with Saturday's away trip to Penrith.
Ryan Hoffman will be crucial to the Warriors' efforts to make the NRL playoffs. Photo: Photosport
Many predicted superstar playmaker Shaun Johnson's season-ending ankle injury last month would spell the end for the Warriors' title hopes.
The Warriors lost that match to Manly and have suffered two defeats since to extend their losing run to four matches.
Their last-start 36-0 loss to St George Illawarra in Wellington was probably their worst effort this year.