Thomas James Wollongong Wolves return unlikely in 2021

The Englishman is serving the final week of a 13-game suspension after receiving a red card in last year's semi-final loss to Sydney United 58. He won't, however, be back on the pitch for next Saturday's clash with Mt Druitt.

Read more: Wary Sharks get ready for important Illawarra Premier League clash with United

James has returned to Canberra to live with his partner and baby, with Wilkshire expecting the 2019 NSW NPL Player of the Year to be back next season.

"It's more than likely we won't see TJ until next year," Wilkshire said. "He's had to return to Canberra for family reasons.

"It's frustrating, he's had a long time out of football but he'll start to build himself back up and he's looking forward to next year.

"He has told me he will be back, he wants to be part of it here next year. For now, I'm concentrating on what I've got here and what we're doing this year."

Lachlan Scott has impressed in James' absence, while Leroy Jennings has found form in recent weeks.

A mid-season resurgence has the Wolves sitting seventh on the ladder, one point outside the top five.

A road-win over fourth-placed Manly on Saturday night will see the two sides draw level.

"We're three games unbeaten now," Wilkshire said. "We've been good, we're finding form but the next three games are three big games, playing against teams around us.

"These are the games we need to be winning. We'll take it one game at a time, starting Saturday night."