Sione Mata'utia is likely to make a quicker than expected return to the field.



Sidelined with a fractured eye socket, the centre was initially expected to miss up to a month but nib Newcastle Knights Physical Performance manager Tony Ayoub revealed he could be set for an early return.



"He's going really well," Ayoub said.



"They (the doctors) said about three or four weeks but to be honest with you, he's tracking really well, he's had a couple of runs already. We're going to introduce him to some limited skills (on Tuesday) and we'll see what he's like.





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"Next week (against the Tigers) is a real possibility. Even this week is not out of the realm."



Meanwhile, Kalyn Ponga is expected to make his return from a hamstring injury this Friday.



"He's ticked every box at the moment," Ayoub said.



"We had a decent run today and will follow it up with some skills tomorrow.



"He's confident and that's the most important thing."



Finally, Tautau Moga is gearing up to start straight line running.







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"He's with the orthopaedic surgeon today (Monday)," he said.



"His range in his knee is coming along really well. His strength is starting to get up there.



"We're taking our time with him. We're stringing his rehab out so he doesn't get bored.



"Over the next two to four weeks, we'll really kick that up and then give him a break."





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Injured players and expected return dates:



Tautau Moga (ACL, Season)



Slade Griffin (Knee, Season)



Jacob Saifiti (Shoulder, Round 22-23)



Sione Mata'utia (Fractured eye socket, Round 20-22)



Kalyn Ponga (Hamstring, Round 19)





