Rugby: Hynes set for early return

Queensland Super Rugby fullback Peter Hynes is expected to return "sooner rather than later" from a troublesome knee injury following successful surgery.

The Reds said Hynes received the "best possible result" from Tuesday's arthroscopic surgery which revealed no further damage.

A spokesman said no date had been set for Hynes' return but he "won't spend a prolonged period on the sideline".

It was a relief for Hynes and Reds coach Ewen McKenzie who had feared it was a recurrence of the knee injury that hampered him throughout 2010.

"Hynes still has a long road before getting back on the field but news that the injury wasn't worse than initially expected is positive for him and the team," McKenzie said.

"We won't rush him back but we do expect him to play an important role later in the season."

Meanwhile, lock Van Humphries may yet be available for the Reds' next clash against the Melbourne Rebels on March 18 despite suffering a fractured thumb in their last round win over the Brumbies.

Queensland captain James Horwill (ankle) is also on track for the Rebels clash at Suncorp Stadium.

"Losing Van would be disappointing as he has many strategic responsibilities around our lineout but the blow is softened with James probably coming back into the squad," McKenzie said.

"We'll have a look at every possible way to get Van ready for the Rebels game but a decision wont be made until later next week."

Dangerman Quade Cooper has been cleared of any serious damage to his jaw.

Cooper had scans after he was punched by Brumbies prop Salesi Ma'afu in Canberra last Saturday.

- AAP