NSW and Australian flyer Drew Mitchell is on the verge of a miracle return after receiving a 'magic potion' in America to speed-up recovery from a serious ankle injury.
It was initially feared the winger would miss the entire season after breaking down three months ago, but his quicker-than-expected rehabilitation could see him on the plane for the Tahs' upcoming two-match tour of South Africa.
Mitchell needs to pass one more fitness test before getting the all-clear to tour.
Waratahs coach Michael Foley credits a trip to America for rescuing Mitchell's season.
"He took leave and went to the US and there was some sort of magic potion over there," Foley said on Thursday.
"All our medical staff said he'd had some sort of miracle cure.
"He healed a lot better than what was first thought and there's a good chance (he'll be on the plane to South Africa). I would say 50-50.
"He ran yesterday and he's pulled up out of that pretty well. We've decided we want to give him one more test which is one step further up and that will be tomorrow.
"It's just turned for the better which is great because there was a chance at one point that he might not play again (this year).
"It's pretty exciting."
Mitchell will be hoping his teammates can keep the Tahs' season alive with victory over the Bulls at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.
NSW sit third on the Australian conference table and need a win over the in-form visitors before tackling the Stormers and Cheetahs in South Africa.
Foley refused to call it a must-win match, preferring to concentrate on the present not the future.
"It's very hard to think like that (dor-or-die). Each and every game is important," he said.
"If we start looking at what happens at the end of the year, it just distracts us.
"I think there are enough distractions and challenges as it is.
NSW skipper Rocky Elsom will make his first run-on appearance of the season after three forays off the bench in recent weeks.