CRONULLA'S finals campaign is poised to gather extra momentum with City Origin second-rower Reece Williams readying himself for an unlikely return.

Williams was ruled out for the season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in round two, however the 22-year-old has resumed full training with his Sharks teammates and yesterday said he was ready for a return should coach Ricky Stuart call on him.

"At this stage I'm mentally preparing to play semi-final football," Williams said. "If I get that call I'll be ready. Maybe not this week but in a couple of weeks, you never know."

Williams's return would be a significant boost for the Sharks after officials were forced to stand down lock Greg Bird after the Test and Origin player was the subject of police charges, leaving the side short on forward strength in the lead-up to the finals.

Williams will have a strength test this week and while he is unlikely to play in the Sharks' first final, he may still have a role to play as the club chases its first premiership.

"I'm back to full training now," Williams said.

"I'm doing all the stuff the boys are doing, as well as all my strength sessions to try and help the strengthening process. At this stage I'm just taking it week by week. With the team the way they are at the moment, they're not going to change anything.

"I'm just there if there happens to be a few injuries.

"It's feeling good at the moment. It's a bit sore warming up. It was always going to be like that. But once I warm up it's sweet. The confidence is good as well.

"Initially, I thought it was the season, just rest up and have the year off - relax - but my focus has been good and I've been looking after it very good.

"Things have been going quicker than I thought."