Adam Reynolds gets one last chance to push claims for NSW call-up following injury to Nathan Cleary

Adam Reynolds is on track to return from a back injury this weekend, giving him one final chance to push for the NSW spot of injured Nathan Cleary.

Adam Reynolds is due to return from a back injury. Picture: Phil Hillyard

It might be too late for Adam Reynolds to push his way into the NSW team for this year’s Origin series.

But with an ankle injury certain to rule Nathan Cleary out of the game three decider at ANZ Stadium, Reynolds will get one final chance to push his credentials when he returns from a fractured back to take on Wests Tigers on Thursday night.

With the Blues team to be named this weekend, Wayne Bennett has confirmed his star halfback, along with exciting young centre Braidon Burns, will return from injury as the Bunnies try to end a three-match losing run.

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Adam Reynolds is due to return from a back injury. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Reynolds has been sidelined since suffering the fracture to his lower back in the early stages of the round 12 loss to Parramatta but he bravely played out the remainder of the match.

Reynolds and Cody Walker would be considered outside chances at best to come into NSW calculations to partner James Maloney in the halves following the injury to Cleary in Sunday night’s clash in Perth.

While Reynolds’ injury required no surgery, Bennett conceded the tough little No. 7 would still have to play through a degree of pain but it would not place him in any danger of suffering further damage.

Burns will play his first game since going down with a hamstring injury way back in round three after a terrific start to the season.

Braidon Burns hasn’t played since round three.

Bennett said Reynolds had been back training with the team since Friday and he would be named in the team on Tuesday.

The Rabbitohs are still second on the NRL ladder on 20 competition points despite going down to the Eels, Newcastle and Penrith in succession.

“The situation with Adam is that he required no operation,” Bennett said. “It was just a case of time and when he could tolerate the pain. He is not totally pain free but there is no danger to him playing.”

The Rabbitohs will be still missing skipper Sam Burgess (shoulder) along with brother Tom (ankle), while Alex Johnston (leg) is also in doubt.

Originally published as Adam Reynolds gets one last chance to push claims for NSW call-up following injury to Nathan Cleary