Merkel crossed to the Raiders from Culcairn at the end of the 2019 season.

The athletic tall has played five reserves matches for the Raiders.

Giants coach Lucas Mellier said Merkel would be rushed into the seniors this week if cleared in time.

"Joel is a former Walla junior and we are rapt to have him back at the club," Mellier said.

"He has been training with us the past couple of weeks and hopefully he gets cleared in time to play on Saturday.

"Joel is fairly versatile and has the ability to play key position or can also have a run around on a flank or a wing.

"He will play forward initially and hopefully provide a strong marking target across half-forward and further up the ground."

Merkel enjoyed a solid season for Culcairn in 2019 including all three of the Lions' finals appearances including the preliminary final.

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