Melbourne Storm legend Cameron Smith has given his support to Ryan Papenhuyzen's return to the NRL, backing coach Craig Bellamy to introduce the fullback this week.
Papenhuyzen has been sidelined for nearly a year with a fractured kneecap he sustained in a game against the Raiders.
He has since played three games in the Queensland Cup and is on the cusp of making his NRL comeback.
Bellamy and the Storm have been tight-lipped about when they will deploy Papenhuyzen in first grade, but have hinted that it could be before the finals.