Premiership-winning South Sydney back-rower Kyle Turner is edging closer to returning to rugby league, according to Rabbitohs teammate Adam Reynolds.
After suffering five concussions last season, Turner made a horror start to the new year by severely injuring his neck playing for the Indigenous All Stars in February.
Undergoing surgery to remove a bulging disc which was placing pressure on his spine, Turner returned to full contact training a week ago though the 23-year-old still has a few rings to jump through to satisfy South Sydney's medical staff he is right to return to the grind of the rugby league.
"Kyle's been training with the team, he just has to get through a couple more things and tick a few more boxes to get out there and he's doing everything right. The medical staff doesn't want to take any chances with him so it's still touch and go," Reynolds said.
"Obviously with it being a serious injury, it takes a lot of confidence to come back from that. He's a good young kid, mate. He has a good head on his shoulders and when he gets back I'm sure he'll be firing.
"He's really excited, he loves being out training with the boys. He shows a lot of enthusiasm and he trains really hard as well so he'll be a good addition when he gets back."
While Turner's return to the training paddock is a sure tell sign he isn't far from playing again, Reynolds believes it is a matter of the Coonabarabran Unicorns junior getting confidence back in not only his neck but his body in general.
"He's in there doing everything possible at the moment. I suppose for Kyle being back in training, he has to get his confidence back and make sure his neck is 100 per cent ready to go," Reynolds said.
"He was a big part of our success last year and he was growing as a player. It's a shame he had that setback but he's definitely going to be a big help when he does get back."