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SYDNEY - The NSW Waratahs have received a much-needed boost before next year's Super 14 season with line-busting No 8 Wycliff Palu expected to be fit for round one.
The backrower was forced to return home early from the Wallabies' northern hemisphere tour with a shoulder injury.
However Warathahs medical staff only expect Palu to be sidelined for four to six weeks.
The news is a welcome relief for the Waratahs following serious injuries to props Matt Dunning and Sekope Kopu on the Wallabies tour.
NSW open their 2009 S14 season against the Hurricanes in Wellington on February 14.
- AAP