Quins RL second row Lee Hopkins could make a quicker than expected return to action 14-days after cracking a rib in his side's 26-18 victory at Hull KR.

The popular Aussie missed Saturday's 19-12 defeat to Warrington sparking fears of a long-term absence.

But he returned to training this week and boss Brian McDermott is hopeful he could be ready for the weekend trip to Wigan Warriors.

"Losing Lee is a massive blow not only because of his defensive work rate, but also he is a pretty potent attacking force," he said this week.

"It is difficult to say how much we missed him against Warrington, but he probably would have come up with a great attacking play for us in the second-half when we needed it most.

"He is probably in the mix for the weekend but we won't risk him if he isn't 100 per cent."

Full-back Mark McLinden came through Saturday's defeat unscathed but McDermott believes it could be three or four weeks before he is back to his best.

"The return of somebody of his calibre is a boost but we must be careful with him. He hasn't played back-to-back football matches yet and it coould be some time before we see the real Mark McLinden," he added.

New Australian international front row Richard Villasanti is expected to make his debut at the JJB Stadium this weekend after proving his fitness since joining last month.