Sam Verrills is backing Kieran Foran to be running out alongside him for his 50th NRL appearance on Sunday against the Dragons in Sydney.
Leaving the field midway through the second half against the Tigers with a right knee complaint, initial indications suggested the experienced playmaker would face a stint on the sidelines due to the injury; however, scans have revealed the 263-gamer only suffered a severe cork.
Being given every opportunity to prove his fitness right up until kick-off, the 24-year-old hooker has full faith his No. 6 will be ready to go for the milestone man's special clash.
"His knee was pretty swollen and I saw his knee... there was no way he was going to play on because it swelled up pretty fast... but looking at it today, he was out there running pretty sweet and he's really confident," Verrills revealed.
"I think we all know what Kieran Foran is like... he's one of the toughest to play the game. I'm backing him to play this week but if not, we've got the next-man up mentality and I'm sure whoever goes in there will do the job."
"But, he's looking good and I'm backing him to play."
For himself personally, bringing up the golden jubilee in his fifth year of first grade is a proud occasion to reach, but that will play second fiddle in Verrills' mind this weekend.
"It's taken a while to get there to be honest. I would've liked to reach it a little sooner, but it's always a nice little milestone to reach 50 games," Verrills said.
"I was lucky to win a premiership in my first year. I've had a few injuries here and there throughout the way but I guess that's rugby league... it's a little milestone and I'm sure I'll celebrate it on Sunday night, but it's more important to win the game.
"I won't think too much about it to be honest... the two points is more important."
'I'm backing him to play': Verrills
When all is said and done, appearances are just a number to the former Roosters dummy-half, who believes success is what is most important.
"It doesn't really matter how many games you play, you're still going out on the weekend to perform," Verrills said.
"Having 50 games is a nice little milestone, but number of games doesn't really matter. For me, it's all about wins and how much success you can bring to a club.
"I've come up here to win games and play finals footy and what we did on the weekend was the right start."
