Assistant coach Dean Wallis is confident that James Hird’s three-week stint on the sidelines has been a blessing in disguise. Wallis believes the injury will rejuvenate the skipper and he will come back fitter and stronger than prior to his 200th game.

""The injury might freshen him (Hird) up a little bit. He had a bit of a soft spot there probably for a month, so hopefully this will re-charge him up for the run home.""

Hird participated in full training this afternoon at Windy Hill and showed no signs of discomfort or restrictions from the rib injury. Wallis said Hird was involved in full training last week and was in great form. ""We had a scratch match last Wednesday at training and he absolutely dominated that,"" he said.

""There is no doubt that Hirdy will play this weekend. It was touch and go against Port. He wanted to play on the weekend and all the players and coaches wanted him to play but it came down to the doctors. They had the final say and got their way.""