In fact, he may be a surprise tourist when fifth-placed Phoenix fly to Sydney this week for Sunday's clash with third-placed Newcastle Jets.

The playmaker was targeted with some bullying tactics last Friday night at Suncorp against Queensland and limped off with a hamstring problem just before the break.

"It might not be long-term. I thought it would be two to three weeks but hopefully, fingers crossed, he'll play a part against Newcastle," coach Ricki Herbert told the Dominion Post.

Phoenix will need the Brazilian's guile. They will take on the Jets without Herbert and five star Kiwis – Shane Smeltz, Tony Lochhead, Jeremy Christie, Mark Paston and Tim Brown – who will be on international duty for the All-Whites.

However, assistants Wayne O'Sullivan and Stu Jacobs will have livewire Brazilian midfielder Daniel available after suspension.

Further, Phoenix could finally unveil star recruit Ahmad Elrich who signed recently from Fulham. He may even line-up against his brother Tarek in the Jets line-up if he's considered fit enough.

Still in New Zealand and the rugby-mad country is currently in mourning after the All-Blacks were dumped out of the World Cup on the weekend.

However, Wellington Phoenix are expected to be a beneficiary with reports that All-Blacks fans in the capital will be throwing their support behind the Phoenix as a way of getting over New Zealand's exit from the World Cup.