Lomu tipped for return

Jonah Lomu’s provincial coach expects the winger to play some part in this season’s Air New Zealand Cup.

North Harbour boss Allan Pollock is confident Lomu will overcome his latest injury setback to stake his claim for a place in the NPC semi-finalists’ squad.

Pollock told The Dominion Post: “That’s the whole aim of what’s he doing. He’s literally had no weight on that leg for the last eight weeks, but (his weight) has not blown out.

“If the body shape is any indication he’s keeping himself in very good trim at the gym. That speaks volumes for how hard he’s been working.”

Last year, Lomu missed Harbour’s entire campaign after a groin injury in his fist attempt to comeback from a kidney transplant.

He attempted a second return earlier this year with Cardiff Blues, but that was halted by a broken ankle in April.

The 31-year-old starts light training this week ahead of the competition kick-off in July, his last chance to fulfil his stated intent of playing in the 2007 World Cup.

Only players in this year’s inaugural Air NZ Cup will qualify for the 2007 Super 14, and in turn All Blacks selection.

However, Pollock remained doubtful Lomu would be ready to start the campaign.

“Even though he’s gym fit aerobically after hitting the rowing machines and cycles, running fitness and match fitness are two separate things,” he said.