Bay of Plenty have their fingers crossed they will have one of their favourite sons, Glen Jackson, back for their match against the Lions next month.
First five-eighths Jackson had an outstanding NPC last year which had him talked of as a possible All Black contender for the end-of-year tourto Britain and France.
Then he joined the Saracens club in the English premiership, teaming up with former All Black captain Taine Randell, French backline star Thomas Castaignede and England and Lions loose forward Richard Hill.
However, Jackson is keen to play against the Lions, as his Saracens obligations for the season should be completed.
Jackson had a one-year contract with a right of renewal and BoP coach Vern Cotter is waiting to hear from the 29-year-old.
"Hopefully we'll have a positive result. We'd certainly like to have him back for the game," Cotter said yesterday.
Ideally, the Bay would like Jackson for the NPC as well, although that is less likely.
Jackson was on the bench for the Saracens match against Worcester early today, with the winner heading for a playoff at Twickenham for a spot in the European Heineken Cup competition next season.
