SWITCHING CODES

Tuqiri returns for 2010

Wests Tigers star recruit Lote Tuqiri looks set to make a dramatic return in the opening round of the NRL season after securing an early release from English rugby union side Leicester.

Tuqiri, who has not played in the NRL since quitting Brisbane after the 2002 season to switch to the 15-man game, will play his final match for Leicester against London Irish this weekend.

While Tuqiri has been absent from the NRL for seven seasons, coach Tim Sheens said he would have no hesitation in rushing him back into his squad given his match fitness would be high following his stint in the northern hemisphere.

Sheens hinted Tuqiri - who played 99 games for the Broncos from 1999-2002 - would start on the wing before a possible switch to fullback later in the season.

"Lote's arrival will give the team a real lift as we prepare for Manly," Sheens said.

"We will monitor his condition but as long as he comes through the weekend's game injury free and recovers well from his flight, I would expect he would be involved in the round-one match."