Rory Thompson and Tommy Nicholls remain on track to re-join the main training group when the Gold Coast SUNS return in the New Year, says High Performance Manager Stephen Schwerdt.

In the early stages of their rehabilitation, both Gold Coasters have been closely monitored by high performance staff, but have progressed to higher intensity conditioning training in recent weeks.

Now in the midst of increasing his running capacity, Schwerdt said Nicholls is edging closer to returning to the training paddock in preparation for the 2014 Season.   

“As planned, we have managed his training workload to make sure that when he gets back he stays back,” Schwerdt said.

“The Christmas break will be critical for Tom, but we expect to see him training back with the team when we return in January.”

According to the leading fitness expert, Thompson has been his usual workmanlike self, showing plenty of drive in the weights room and inside the high-altitude training room.

“Rory has been flying since returning from surgery,” he said of Thompson.

“He has been the ultimate professional, and is showing he is eager to return bigger and better in the New Year.”

Meanwhile, Charlie Dixon is progressing well from a lingering ankle injury that plagued his 2013 campaign, while Luke Russell (hip) and Aaron Hall (groin) are also increasing their training workload.

Daniel Gorringe will return in January ready to build on the nine senior appearances he tallied in 2013, which included a career performance against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium where he notched 22 disposals, 12 hit-outs and a goal.

The athletic ruckman sustained a minor ankle injury after tweaking it during a match-simulated drill, however Gorringe wont be hindered by the injury.