A shorter injury list shapes to be one positive from Otago's disrupted season.
It should have several key players back by the time the NPC resumes.
Exactly when that will be remains dependent on when Alert Level 2 comes into effect.
A late September start was being planned for the competition, which went on hold when New Zealand entered Level 4 nearly three weeks ago.
That would make for a late November finish, similar to last year.
It was a plan contingent on Level 2 coming into effect, while the potential for Auckland — where three teams are based — to remain in a higher alert level complicated that.
However, it would give Otago's injury list time to diminish.
First five-eighth Josh Ioane had recovered from a head knock in the team's season opener against Southland.
Donnelly also expected prop Josh Hohneck would be back from a lower leg injury by the time the team returned.
Hooker Liam Coltman was also now a possibility to return later in the competition, although he was set to see a specialist for his MCL injury.
Midfield back Aleki Morris-Lome was another who would return, having now completed his time in MIQ after his stint playing in the United States.
Two notable players would not return.
Jona Nareki has a nine-month layoff with a torn ACL and Sef Fa'agase is heading to Australia and has been unable to find a spot in MIQ after his time in the US.
Donnelly said the team had been keeping busy with its individual conditioning and training since the heightened alert levels were enforced.
The team had also been keeping in contact through the occasional Zoom meeting and a What's App group.
While the disruption to the season was less than ideal, Donnelly was optimistic it would not take too long to get going again.
‘‘We'll just kick into gear once we get to Level 2 and assemble at the stadium.
‘‘We'll make a plan to start training again — it's no different to the start of the year and pre-season.
‘‘The good thing about it is we've only been away for about three weeks now.
‘‘You don't lose a hell of a lot in that. Hopefully it won't take us long to get back up to speed.’’
