Price has played occasional games, mainly in the Summer Bash T20 competition, since the tragic accident that claimed the life of his partner partner Raani Bennett in November.

But with two rounds left in the two-day competition, he has declared himself available and Rosellas skipper James King said he would be welcomed back with open arms.

"It's good to have Joey back," King said.

"He was always looking at coming back a couple of weeks out from the semis, so it's good for us as a team, and good for him to get back out there as well."

Wests were knocked off the top of the ladder by University last weekend and are now equal-second on points with Hamwicks, who are fresh from their triumph in the Summer Bash final last weekend.

"Uni were really good last week and we were nowhere near our best," King said.

"Having Joey back will give us a bit of confidence heading into this week, but we know we need to play a lot better, because Hamwicks are a very good team."

At Pasterfield Sports Complex, Merewether will be fighting for survival - and hoping to win outright - when they take on Cardiff-Boolaroo.

The Lions are five points behind fourth-placed Uni and in danger of missing the play-offs for only the second time since 2009-10.

In other games starting on Saturday, Waratah-Mayfield face a daunting challenge when they host competition leaders Wallsend.

Uni will be chasing their fifth straight win when they tackle Newcastle City at Learmonth, Stockton are at home to Charlestown and premiers Toronto will be hoping to climb off last spot with a win against Belmont.