In one of the quirks of modern rugby, All Black winger Joe Rokocoko is set to make his NPC debut this week.

After two Super 12 campaigns and 20 tests, Rokocoko appears primed for the start of his provincial career after two seasons of false starts.

The 21-year-old was sorted for an NPC start two years ago but missed the series because of a broken ankle while World Cup commitments prevented his involvement last season.

All Black tests meant he missed the opening three rounds this year but Rokocoko has told the Auckland coaching staff he was available for Saturday's Battle of the Bridge match at Eden Park.

Rokocoko is one of five test players back training with Auckland this week after earlier returns by Keven Mealamu, Ali Williams, and Mose Tuiali'i.

Xavier Rush will captain the side against North Harbour on Saturday and is likely to have the revived Carlos Spencer, Sam Tuitupou, Mils Muliaina and Rokocoko with him.

All Black prop Kees Meeuws and winger Doug Howlett are still recovering from injury while Angus Macdonald, skipper in the first three matches, is a doubtful starter after taking a heavy knock in the humiliating loss to Waikato on Saturday.

"It will help a lot having more of the test players back," coach Pat Lam said.

"Especially getting two guys, Rush and Tuitupou, who were the core of our leadership last year when the All Blacks were away.

"This year they have been away while Justin Collins and Derren Witcombe have been injured, so Angus has been doing a lot of it on his own."

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