Stanton Albert could make his Papua New Guinea Hunters return as early as next weekend after returning home from the United Kingdom.
The 22 year old forward signed a two year deal with Super League club Widnes Vikings in January, alongside older brother Wellington, but was released from his contract this week after struggling to adapt to life in England's Northwest.
Hunters coach Michael Marum said he had been communicating with the Kumuls international, who was frustrated after being unable to break into the Vikings first grade side.
Stanton Albert's stay in the English Northwest proved brief. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"He was telling me that he wasn't given the opportunity down there and I always kept telling him to stay in there, he said.
"He's just a new player in the squad and he'll have a chance in the later part of the season or maybe next year."
"After that he decided to come back and home and he didn't do well with the team down there so he left.
"I was talking to him so I told him to have a few days off and then come back and we can see how we test him out and see if he's ok to come in straight away to the side."
Stanton Albert is returning to the PNG Hunters. Photo: SP PNG Hunters
Stanton Albert was due to take part in training with the Hunters squad on Thursday afternoon.
Michael Marum said it's a boost for the defending champion Hunters as they need another experienced forward.
He said if all goes to plan he will sign until the end of the season and could make his Intrust Super Cup return against the Townsville Blackhawks next weekend.