The powerhouse centre suffered a knee ligament injury in Wildcats' defeat at Warrington Wolves 19 days ago, but returned to training this week and has a chance of playing on Sunday.

"When I did it against Warrington, I automatically feared the worst," said Atkins.

"I have done a lot of re-hab. Last week it was very touch and go whether I'd be able to get back with the lads training on Monday, but luckily it has worked out, I got back on Monday, I've done my fitness and the knee was all right – though my lungs weren't.

"I've done contact work and there's been no reaction, so fingers crossed."

Atkins insists he won't play unless he is fully fit.

"The question is, is it going to last 80 minutes?" he said.

"That's what John (coach John Kear) and I need to sit down and talk about.

"I am not just putting my hand up saying I am fit for the sake of playing in a big semi-final.

"It has got to be the right thing for the club, not just for me as a player.

"I need to know that I can last 80 minutes lung-wise and my knee's going to withstand impact for 80 minutes.

"The way it's gone in training this week, it's looking really good, but I am not going to play if I'm not 100 per cent.

"There's players in the squad with the same ability who can do a job for Wakefield."

Atkins said team training has gone well this week.

"It has been very intense," he said. "Everybody's been putting their hand up to play on Sunday.

"The boys have handled it really well and everyone's excited about the chance to play in a semi."

Kear – who was due to name a 19-man squad today – is playing his cards close to his chest.

He said: "Ryan's come through all his work this week and as long as there's no recurrence of the injury, I'm pretty confident he will be available for selection."

Ends