NRL: Lillyman cleared to make return to Warriors

Jacob Lillyman. Photo / Greg Bowker.

An excited Jacob Lillyman was today cleared to make his long-awaited return to the NRL in the Warriors' ninth-round clash against Brisbane at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday night.

The 28-year-old has been sidelined since tearing his right bicep off the tendon at the elbow only 10 minutes into the Warriors' first pre-season trial against Gold Coast at North Harbour Stadium on February 4.

The Queensland State of Origin front rower has trained fully with the Warriors this week but needed a clearance before his playing return could be confirmed.

Lillyman was examined this afternoon and returned to the club later, beaming enthusiastically as he told head coach Brian McClennan he was ready to resume playing.

It means the 124-game NRL veteran is now set to make his first NRL appearance of the year as scheduled exactly three months after surgery.

It comes as the Warriors prepare to face one of the hottest teams of the season, Brisbane, second in the competition after a run of six straight wins.

Lillyman wasn't named in the team yesterday (Tues) as he awaited a clearance.

Instead McClennan went for a five-man bench of Lewis Brown, Ukuma Ta'ai, Sione Lousi, Pita Godinet and Krisnan Inu.

Lillyman's availability coincides with the loss of fellow front row veteran Sam Rapira, out short-term with an ankle sprain he picked up in the Anzac Day loss to Melbourne.

The Warriors' final line-up to face the Broncos will be confirmed an hour before kick-off on Saturday night.