NRL: Return of Vatuvei looks up in the air

Doubt surrounds Manu Vatuvei's return to the playing ranks as the Warriors try to manage his knee injury without resorting to surgery.

The giant 23-year-old winger tore knee cartilage during the Warriors' 26-24 round two win over the Sea Eales. It had been hoped he would be out for only two weeks but his return is still uncertain.

"We are trying to manage Manu without an operation," Warriors doctor John Mayhew said. "We hope that it settles down but if that doesn't work out he will require surgery.

"The best-case scenario is that he returns in round five but if he needs surgery it will take another two or three weeks after that."

Vatuvei was sorely missed last weekend against the Broncos. He has developed into one of the most potent wingers in the world and scored 22 tries in 23 NRL and international games last season.

Even if he doesn't get the ball, opposition defences are so worried about him that it opens up spaces for others down the left edge.

Joel Moon and Jerome Ropati had a field day down that side in the first half against the Eels but were well contained last week against the Broncos.