Manly coach Des Hasler says he expects to be without Tom Trbojevic for at least a month after the Kangaroos fullback sustained a hamstring injury in the 28-22 pre-season trial loss against Cronulla.
The 22-year-old was returning a kick in the 35th minute when he pulled up, signalled to substituted and made his way to the sideline at Southern Cross Group Stadium before an injury crisis deepened for the Sea Eagles.
Trbojevic's setback was compounded by knocks to front-rowers Kelepi Tanginoa and Tanieli Paseka, with the Sea Eagles' season opener against the West Tigers just three weeks away.
"Kelepi and Tanieli have got knee injures. We'll get them scanned but that's at least a month on the sideline," Hasler said.
"Tom Trbojevic looks like being a month. That's just footy and it's not the best of starts to lose two front-rowers and a fullback, but I'm sure guys will step up and take their place."
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In positive news for Hasler, Curtis Sironen's return from a long-term knee injury when smoothly and try-scoring Kiwis forward Martin Tapau was imposing.
However, Hasler might not be as pleased with Trent Hodkinson, who had a mixed outing as he battles with Kane Elgey to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves.
Elgey is expected to get a chance to stake his claim to partner the Kangaroos and Queensland representative in next weekend's trial with the Roosters in Gosford.
Hasler included Dylan Walker in his starting line-up ahead of the centre's court appearance on Tuesday regarding two alleged assaults on his partner in December.
Walker played the opening half, though was largely ineffective.
Kyle Flanagan produced some nice touches for the Sharks at halfback while his father, former Cronulla coach Shane, looked on from the stands.
Flanagan had a hand in Cronulla's first try to Josh Morris after good lead-up work by Sione Katoa and Bronson Xerri.
He also latched on to a loose pass from Trbojevic - shortly before the Manly No.1 departed - and fed Xerri, 18, who raced 60-metres to score.
The centre then turned provider, with a run early in the second half opening up space for Katoa to cross the line.
New Sharks coach John Morris singled out Xerri for praise post-match.
"Xerri is 18 and I started him in the centres, that shows the pre-season he's had - he is right in the mix," he said.
