ANTHONY MINICHIELLO is expected to make his comeback next round against Wests Tigers.

The former Test fullback has been sidelined for seven weeks with a back injury but returned to training last week. Roosters doctor John Orchard is confident Minichiello is on the verge of an NRL return.

Minichiello had hoped to return for round nine against Canberra before suffering a scare at training when his back flared as soon as he started running.

The former Golden Boot winner, previously an automatic selection for NSW and Australia, has undergone two operations on bulging discs since 2006.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Warriors will target in-form five-eighth Braith Anasta in today's clash in Auckland. Left out of NSW's State of Origin side, Anasta answered selectors with a man-of-the-match display against Parramatta last weekend.

He scored twice in the commanding 32-12 win, showing his ability to step with his first four-pointer, and had a hand in two other tries.

"Certainly, he's one of our main targets," said Warriors skipper Michael Luck.

The Warriors are 4-0 at home.