No matter what the Warriors doctor said this week, Micheal Luck was never going to miss his third finals campaign.
The 28-year-old workaholic lock is back three weeks after he suffered a horrific 18cm-wide gash on his leg - likened to a shark bite wound by captain Simon Mannering.
He got through a 'hard session' on Monday and Tuesday and will play with padding around the scar to prevent an infection breakout, but insists he's ready to rumble.
In his 10th first-grade season, Luck's experience is a massive boost for a determined Warriors outfit as they ship out to the Gold Coast for the first match of the NRL finals on Friday night.
"You don't take any opportunity for granted because it might not come around again. If we play well we could be at home next week," is the message he had delivered.
Luck missed the Warriors 36-4 belting of Brisbane and the composed finals-like 26-12 win over Parramatta on Saturday, and he was impressed with what he saw.
"On the weekend, I'd rate that better than against the Broncos," the Queenslander said. "Our defence on our try-line was unbelievable against a Parramatta side that had nothing to lose. That defence wins you big games."
While confident in the strong backs-to-the-wall defensive systems the Warriors have built, Luck realised the treat the Titans pose.
"It's a game we've nearly got to be perfect to win. It's a big, big test for our defence this week," he said.
"They've got strike all over the park. If you concentrate on [Matt] Rogers and [Scott] Prince too much then Nathan Friend will cut you up the middle. If you jam up in the middle, Michael Gordon will use his speed out wide."
Coach Ivan Cleary had to tell his vice-captain last week was too early to expect a return after the severity of his injury. He believed the two-week break would be beneficial for Luck, who took a battering each week and consistently ranked among the NRL's top tacklers.
"He's an integral part of our team," Cleary said. "A couple of weeks off wouldn't have hurt him. He plays hard and it's been a long hard year for him, as it is always. He looks fresh and keen so it's a good addition."
While the news was good for Luck, centre Jerome Ropati hobbled around with another groin flair-up and took little part in training on Tuesday. Joel Moon has been named on a six-man bench but don't be surprised if he starts.
Luck's return pushes Jacob Lillyman to the bench and hooker Alehana Mara has also been included despite struggling with a knee complaint.
Warriors team:
1. Lance Hohaia, 2. Kevin Locke, 3. Brent Tate, 4. Jerome Ropati, 5. Manu Vatuvei, 6. James Maloney, 7. Brett Seymour, 8. Sam Rapira, 9. Aaron Heremaia, 10. Russell Packer, 11. Simon Mannering (c), 12. Lewis Brown, 13. Micheal Luck Interchange: 14. Alehana Mara, 15. Ben Matulino, 16. Ukuma Ta'ai, 17. Jacob Lillyman, 18. Jesse Royal, 19. Joel Moon