NORTH Wagga is on the verge of welcoming back some key players from the club's casualty ward.

Mitch Mullins returned from an Achilles injury to play reserve grade last week and is in the mix for a recall to first grade this Saturday.

Matt Harmer (ankle), Ben Alexander (hamstring) and Sam Burley (bruised ribs) are also expected to put their hands up for selection.

"We're starting to get some handy players back on deck which is good news," Saints coach Nathan Dowdle said.

Jacob May, meantime, is battling to recover from knee surgery and teenager Nicholas Kruckel has been ruled out for the year after snapping his collar bone.

Dowdle has some selection headaches to look forward to ahead of Saturday's clash with Northern Jets.

He says under 17 players Jed Winter, Chris Leywood and Brad Gustowski have all impressed at training in recent weeks and will be in the mix for a first grade spot.

Winter made his senior debut last week and will be hoping to retain his place.

"There's three young guys who have been going really well, putting the work in at training so they will be up for selection," Dowdle said.

The Saints will travel to Ardlethan hoping to consolidate their place in the Farrer League top five.

It was a 41-point North Wagga victory last time the clubs met in round three.

Regardless of past results, Dowdle is expecting nothing less than a tight contest against the Jets.

"They look like they are starting to get a few back now as well, and they would be keen to knock us off over there," he said.

"It looks like it's going to be wet again so I'd expect a tough and physical contest."

The Jets will be hoping teenage talent Mitch Maguire gets up to play the game.

Maguire is reportedly battling a hamstring strain.