Sonny Bill Williams long awaited return to the rugby field could be as early as this weekend.
The Blues midfielder is available for selection for this weekend's Super Rugby match against the Highlanders in Dunedin.
Williams hasn't played rugby since rupturing his achilles tendon during the New Zealand Sevens' Rio Olympics campaign.
While the 31-year-old is considered fit to play, a minor foot injury could halt his return for another week.
RNZ reports the 23-man team will be named on Thursday.
Meanwhile the Blues first five troubles continue to go from bad to worse with Ihaia West ruled out for at least three weeks with an ankle injury.
The back up number 10 suffered a tear during his side's 28-15 win over the Western Force on Saturday.
West and outgoing Englishman, Piers Francis, have spent the first month and a half of the new season fighting it out for the Blues number 10 jersey with the latter being coach Tana Umaga's preferred option at the moment.