Manly fullback Brett Stewart remains a slim chance of taking his place for Saturday's NRL match against the Warriors at Brookvale Oval.
The Sea Eagles say Stewart's troublesome hamstring will be assessed again on match day morning but he is in considerable doubt, particularly with Manly facing a short turnaround
for a Friday night match next weekend.
The former Test fullback has missed the past two games after he returned this year from long-term knee problems.
Exciting youngster Will Hopoate will play fullback if Stewart is ruled out, with either Tony Williams or Michael Oldfield coming off an extended bench onto the wing.
Forwards Anthony Watmough and Terence Seuseu return after a week's suspension for off-field misbehaviour, while there are slight doubts over second-rower Joe Galuvao and benchman George Rose.
The Sea Eagles will run into an improving Warriors outfit that have notched consecutive wins after a 0-3 start to the season.
The Aucklanders also have no fear of Brookvale Oval with a 5-4 advantage at the Sea Eagles' fortress, although Manly have won seven of the last nine overall.
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary is preparing his players for the brutal football Manly gave his side a taste of in a pre-season trial.
"(It was) pretty intensive, and they've kept that going for an intimidating, physical brand of football," he said.
"Manly traditionally play a pretty aggressive style of game and I think they'll be no different this week so it's good to be prepared."
Sea Eagles prop Brent Kite will play his 150th game for the club, while Warriors workaholic Micheal Luck will play his 200th first grade game.
The 28-year-old Queenslander puts his hardiness down to his surname, or "dumb luck" at least.
"There's been a lot more gifted footballers than me who have had major injuries that have cut their career short," Luck said.
"I've never, touch wood, had any of those things. I suppose I'm not a real power athlete that has the risk of big muscle tears.
"It's more luck than anything."
Cleary said it was former North Queensland Cowboy Luck's attitude that had allowed him to set an NRL record of 74 tackles in a match.
"His professionalism is second to none but probably the biggest thing is his mental toughness," Cleary said.
"He gets plenty of injuries, plenty of knocks but he just overcomes them."
- AAP
Manly's Brett Stweart. Photo / Getty Images
Manly fullback Brett Stewart remains a slim chance of taking his place for Saturday's NRL match against the Warriors at Brookvale Oval.
The Sea Eagles say Stewart's troublesome hamstring will be assessed again on match day morning but he is in considerable doubt, particularly with Manly facing a short turnaround
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