Good news for Ross

South Sydney prop Ben Ross has circled the first-round clash against the Sydney Roosters as his comeback date after receiving a positive medical report on his suspect neck.

Ross' surgeon is pleased with the former Origin star's progress following an operation to fuse bones in the front-rower's neck following a sickening collision 11 months ago.

Playing for Cronulla in a first-round match against Penrith, Ross was taken from the field in a neck brace after a routine tackle went horribly wrong.

He was later told to quit football but defied doctors orders to return to the training paddock, the Rabbitohs willing to give him a shot at reviving his NRL career once he receives his final medical clearance.

That could be in as little as four weeks' time, paving the way for Ross to make an emotional return in the first week of the premiership.

"It's been a long recovery process but I'm training with the team and getting ready to play again," Ross said on Thursday.

"My goal is to play first-grade in Round 1 when we play the Roosters. I'm looking forward to running out (with the Rabbitohs) this season and hopefully I can get that final clearance when I next see my surgeon."

The Rabbitohs remain cautiously optimistic the big front-rower will receive the green light from doctors and take his place in one of the competition's most imposing forward packs.

"This is a big step forward for Ben in his recovery but both the club and Ben want to ensure his neck is 100 percent before he plays again," Souths CEO Shane Richardson said.

"Ben's health is our No.1 priority and we won't be rushing him back."

"His training load will increase in line with the medical team's recommendations and contact is now allowed, and we look forward to his next surgeon's review in about a month's time."

South Sydney will take on Manly in a trial at Redfern Oval on Sunday.