CYRIL Rioli is back.

The livewire forward hasn’t played since Round 5, when he injured his hamstring in the win over the Kangaroos at the MCG.

But the star returns to bolster his team for the blockbuster against the Cats on Saturday night.

The Hawks have been cautious with Rioli’s return, with the forward completing a training block before returning to the seniors.

An impressive few weeks on the track had Coach Alastair Clarkson tempted to bring him in against the Eagles, but opted to ensure he’s “cherry ripe” before returning.

A possible return via the VFL was touted, but Clarkson has opted to bring his star forward straight back into the senior side.

Rioli is joined by Paul Puopolo and Max Bailey as the three inclusions for Saturday night’s clash.

Puopolo hasn’t played since Round 12, after he was a late withdrawal against the Eagles in Round 13 and didn’t play against the Lions with a quad injury.

Guerra (back) and Bailey (knee soreness) missed last week’s win over Brisbane but return to bolster the Hawks as they turn to experience for the blockbuster against the Cats.

Liam Shiels won’t play after suffering an ankle injury against the Lions in Tasmania last Sunday. He’ll be sidelined for 2-4 weeks, while Xavier Ellis is also out of the side that defeated Brisbane with a calf injury.

Last week’s debutant, Jonathon Ceglar also won’t play, having suffered a hip injury in his debut game.

Round 15 team
FB: Stratton Lake Whitecross
HB:  Mitchell Gibson Burgoyne
C:   Smith Hodge  Hill
HF:  Gunston Franklin Breust
FF: Savage Roughead Rioli
Rucks: Bailey, Sewell, Lewis
IC: Hale,  Simpkin, Duryea, Puopolo
EM: Guerra,  Cheney, Langford

In: Bailey, Rioli, Puopolo
Out: Shiels (ankle), Ceglar (hip), Ellis (calf)