Manly have been dealt a blow with prop Darcy Lussick to miss up to five games of the NRL season due to a wrist injury.
The 27-year-old, back at the Sea Eagles for his second stint after leaving Parramatta, had surgery on Wednesday.
The setback means Lussick is set to be sidelined until Manly face St George Illawarra in round six in April at Brookvale Oval.
Manly coach Trent Barrett admitted the injury was a huge blow to the Eagles.
"Darcy has worked really hard on his fitness since the end of last season," Barrett said in a club statement.
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"He has impressed everyone with his attitude and he will be missed but we have built our depth across the team and someone else will now have an opportunity."
The Sea Eagles' campaign kicks off on March 5 against Lussick's former club Parramatta at Brookvale Oval.
