Brisbane hooker Andrew McCullough has come through a vigorous training session at Broncos HQ and looks set to complete a miraculous recovery by taking the field against Gold Coast on Sunday.
When the Broncos stalwart went down clutching his knee in a training mishap a month ago, initial fears were that he could be out for as long as three months, prompting the club to sign James Segeyaro as short-term cover.
Yet McCullough looks like missing only two games, the shortened timeline coming as no surprise to his team-mates.
"It was always going to happen to be honest,” said Alex Glenn, who will play his 250th NRL game on Sunday.
“Macca's always been that professional player who heals really quick.
How the Origin debutant forwards stepped up
“He's still yet to give us his secret on how he recovers really fast but whenever he gets given a period of time he's going to be out for, I know he's always coming back earlier.
"I tested him out with a bit of footwork and changes in direction [on Friday] and he stuck to me.
"It just means so much to him to be wearing that jersey and it hurts him when he's not out there with the brothers."
Origin stars Corey Oates, Matt Gillett, David Fifita and Payne Haas weren’t required to train on Friday but all are expected to tackle the Titans.
Broncos v Titans - Round 13
The only Origin rep missing will be young prop Joe Ofahengaue, who required surgery on a nasty gash just below his knee he suffered in freakish circumstances on Wednesday night.
"It was very unfortunate about Joffa's injury. He sent a photo in and it was pretty gruesome,” Glenn said.
"I'm confident the other boys will back up. They were in this morning and they were all happy, apart from Payne [Haas]. Poor fella.
"I'm confident they'll back up, they're in good shape.”
