Ricciuto, who had minor groin surgery in January and has been battling a hamstring problem for the past month, says he is still aiming to be ready to play in round one of the premiership season.
“It’s been frustrating not being able to play in the pre-season but the hamstring is the problem, not the groin,” Ricciuto said.
“It’s not a strain or a tear – it is tendonitis – and a couple of weeks ago we had to take a step or two back in the rehabilitation because it wasn’t improving as we had hoped.
“The plan is to build up with some running this week but there are three weeks to the opening round so I’m hopeful that if everything goes to plan I will be available.”
