New Zealand Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon is recovering well from a knee injury and could still return to the NRL this season.

McKinnon, who starred in his debut campaign with the club last year, suffered what was originally expected to be a season-ending injury in a trial match in February.

However, his recovery from a knee reconstruction has been such that the club's medical staff have suggested he could be back in action in 2008.

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said on Monday that it was a case of wait-and-see as far as when McKinnon would be available for selection again.

"It's bit hard to tell, but his rehab is going really well and all we can do is keep monitoring that," he said.

"If he continues that way, he might be a chance, but it's not something you want to bank on.

"You don't want to get your hopes up. We'll just cross our fingers and see what happens."

Team doctor John Mayhew said McKinnon had made much better progress than expected.

While Mayhew couldn't give a date for a comeback, there was optimism that it could be late in the season.

McKinnon and skipper Steve Price gave the Warriors a boost before the Auckland-based club recorded their first away win of the season with an 18-16 result over Newcastle on Saturday night.

Both have extended their contracts, with McKinnon, 27, adding two years to his to take him through to the end of 2011.

Price, 34, signed up to lead the Warriors for a fifth season next year.

The pair's contract renewals followed the signing of Brisbane winger Denan Kemp for the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

The former Australian junior soccer representative grabbed four tries in the Broncos' 30-26 victory over Parramatta last Friday, taking his season's tally to nine in nine matches and exciting Cleary about the future.

"Four tries isn't bad, is it? Cleary said.

"He's a talented youngster and we're looking forward to him being a part of us next year."

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