In a remarkable turnaround, Matt Orford is expected to be given the green light on Saturday for Melbourne's National Rugby League opener against Newcastle barely two weeks after considering retirement.

A fortnight ago Orford collapsed at training, sparking fears he had a potentially career-threatening brain clot.

But after several anxious days enduring headaches, nausea and dizziness, Orford underwent specialist tests that showed he had merely suffered an inner ear infection.

Orford, 25, will learn his fate for the Knights clash after training on Saturday but has been all but given the thumbs up for the Storm's season opener at Olympic Park on Sunday.

If Orford successfully emerges from training, a much sterner "test" awaits him on the weekend - a one on one showdown with the world's No.1 player, Knights halfback Andrew Johns.

"A decision will be made on him tomorrow but he has been training all week successfully," a Storm spokesman said.

"He's got the day off today where he can rest up, he's been progressing well each day and he's gaining his confidence in his own ability.

"If everything goes to plan he will be playing on the weekend, it's looking good.

"Just a week and a half ago he was contemplating not playing again, now he is playing the first game for the Storm.

"His mood has gone from relief to anticipation for the first game for Melbourne."

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