Tuimavave could return in a month

Prop Evarn Tuimavave could be back in National Rugby League action for the New Zealand Warriors in a month after receiving positive news on his neck injury.

Tuimavave, 24, has been sidelined this season with a bulging disc.

It was earlier feared that he would need surgery, while would have ruled him out for the whole year.

However, coach Ivan Cleary said today that the latest medical results had cleared Evarn to prepare to play again.

"He's probably going to be back in a month," he said.

Tuimavave, who made his debut for the Kiwis last year, is stranded one short of 100 appearances for the New Zealand Warriors.

His absence has been offset by the good form of new recruit Jesse Royal, who retains his starting spot against St George Illawarra in Wollongong on Sunday.

Royal, 28, was signed from Newcastle and Cleary said he was "just what we needed".

"Especially with Evarn's injury, he really came in and built up our stocks there," he said.

"He didn't have a huge off-season, so he's done a great job."