http://www.nrl.com.au/news.cfm?ID=9020
Witt takes on Gower
22 June 2004
A huge learning curve awaits Michael Witt returns to the National Rugby League against NSW halfback Craig Gower when Penrith hosts the Eels on Saturday night.
Parramatta utility Witt, 20, last played when he kicked the winning goal in the Eels' round 13 victory at Newcastle.
He suffered a one-game suspension for a dangerous throw in that match and then missed the Eels' gutsy last round 34-24 loss to Brisbane.
However, a rib injury to playmaker Adam Dykes has opened the door for Witt to take on Gower who finally returns from a knee injury sustained in NSW's 9-8 Origin I win over Queensland.
Witt - who has played this year at five-eighth - may have an extended stay at No.7 after an Eels spokesman said Dykes suffered a rib fracture.
"Initial x-rays said there was no fracture but he's had other scans which revealed it in more detail and perhaps there is a crack there - he will be checked in a week or two to see how he is healing," the spokesman said.
Lee Hopkins (concussion) has not been assessed yet and has been named on he Eels' five-man bench.
But a Panthers spokesman said Gower was "100 per cent".
Amos Roberts again starts at five-eighth for Preston Campbell (knee) who is expected back next week but the outlook isn't so good for Ryan Girdler (hamstring).
"We just don't know. He missed training today which throws his progress back even further," a spokesman said.
And Luke Swain (back) could fight his way back on the field this season despite being all but written off for 2004.
"This kid is so anxious to get back, our problem will be trying to stop getting back too early," the spokesman said.
)
