JHARAL Yow Yeh's NRL dream return is at least another nine months away from being realised.

The lion-hearted Broncos and Kangaroos winger, who broke his leg in graphic fashion early last season, made a brave comeback in third grade two weeks ago.

But the Bishop Park contest - his first hit-up in 13 months - took such a physical toll that Yow Yeh will be sidelined again until late this month.

He is set to play further FOGS Cup (state league reserves) games for the Norths Devils this year, but an NRL return is all but out of the question until 2014.

Yow Yeh still carries a heavy limp when he runs, and doctors have told him it will haunt him for several years following the horror compound fracture that left his lower leg bone exposed last March.

It is a tough blow for the happy-go-lucky 23-year-old, who initially hoped to be back playing NRL before round 5.

Yet Yow Yeh still fronts up to every training session with a smile on his face, knowing he came close to permanently needing crutches.

Broncos teammate and good friend Josh Hoffman still has concerns for Yow Yeh's gallant bid to return to the top flight, saying the final pages of a fairytale were a long way from being written.

"He has the ability to play first grade (talent wise), but I don't think he will any time this year because of the way his foot is healing," Hoffman said.

"He has the limp there and the doctors and physios said he will always have that there when he runs.

"As a teammate you get wary about it. You get nervous for his health.

"Watching him play in the FOGS Cup, he showed some good signs with his footwork and hit-ups in the second row.

"He needs to focus on his game fitness there now."

While his comeback trail is proving arduous, Emerald junior Yow Yeh has shown he has the determination to make it.

"We are still all confident he will get back and be healthy eventually," Hoffman said.

"The way he's carried himself with this injury has surprised a lot of people. He is in good spirits, laughing and fantastic to be around."

Yow Yeh, who debuted in 2009 and has played three games apiece for Queensland and Australia, still has excellent speed but takes a long time to get there and is lacking his former agility.

A permanent move to the back row could be an option, but at Broncos training he still lines up on the wing.

Yow Yeh can take solace in the remarkable journey of teammate Jordan Kahu, who missed consecutive seasons following repeat knee injuries in trial games but has now secured his place in the first grade team, earning a call-up at the expense of Lachlan Maranta.

Kahu has played just two NRL games, but his form against South Sydney last week ensured he kept his place for Saturday's Parramatta Eels clash, with Maranta making way for Justin Hodges.