Tatafu Polota-Nau eyes Waratahs return despite broken arm

WARATAHS hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau could make a shock return before the end of the season, despite breaking his arm on Saturday night.

WARATAHS hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau could make a shock return before the end of the season, despite breaking his arm during Saturday's 28-22 win over the Brumbies at ANZ Stadium.

Polota-Nau left the field late in the first half, with the initial indication that it was a season-ending injury. But Waratahs coach Michael Cheika said the hooker underwent a "straightforward" operation on his forearm on Monday and could return for their match against the Reds on July 13.

"The operation will be just to stabilize (the arm) and his return is forecast for eight weeks," Cheika said.

The Waratahs need to win all their remaining games to stand a chance of qualifying for the play-offs and the Reds match could make or break their season, which is why Cheika is desperate to have Polota-Nau back for it.

"We could get him back for the Reds, so it's a decision I have to make if I want to bring in a new player or if I have to cover that, or if I wait," he said.

"I'll have to wait and see, but if there's any chance of him coming back for the Reds game then I'll definitely wait."

While he's waiting on Polota-Nau's progress, Cheika will have to rely on John Ulugia and Luke Holmes to get the job done. Holmes has been playing with an injury, but Cheika believes both hookers are more than capable of stepping up.

"He (Holmes) has been playing with a slight injury, but he's been playing in his club rugby and he's been training with us because he's very desperate to play," Cheika said.

"That's the sacrifice he's making and it hasn't gone unnoticed.

"Big shoes for our hookers Ulugia and Holmes and it's going to be up to them to fill those because that's the type of team we're building, one that's really got no names on the jersey, just the number and everyone who fits into that number can play at the same level."