Richards may just make it

Contrary to initial fears, Wests Tigers winger Pat Richards is hopeful he can make an amazing recovery and play in Sunday's NRL grand final against North Queensland after being cleared of a broken ankle.

Scans have cleared Richards of a fracture and the winger will be given the week to prove his fitness for the Tigers' maiden grand final at Telstra Stadium.

Richards was expected to miss the biggest game in the joint venture's five year history after being aided from the field at halftime of the Tigers' 20-12 NRL preliminary final upset over St George Illawarra at Aussie Stadium last Saturday night.

But a Tigers official said: "Initial scans have shown there is no break and an MRI this afternoon will reveal the full extent of the injury.

"Richards will be given the week to prove his fitness leading into this weekend's NRL grand final against the Cowboys."