Manly Sea Eagles coach Kieran Foran has given an update on Tolutau Koula after he was hip-dropped by Dominic Young in the club's drought-breaking win on Saturday.
Young pounced on Koula close to the line, landing awkwardly on his ankle at the end of the first half.
Young was sin-binned for the act and the NRL's match review committee followed up by handing him a one-week suspension for his troubles.
Despite Manly's season being over, immediate concern was raised for Koula's availability for selection for Tonga's Rugby League World Cup campaign this year.
Although Foran has shed some positive light on his ankle injury and is set to be available for selection for Tonga.
"Yeah, he's alright. He's in a moon boot," Foran said.
"I think it was a high grade 2 syndesmosis, so looking like he'll be out for about a month, disappointing, but not much he can do about it.
"They're pretty comfortable and confident that they'll be able to rehab it without surgery, so that's a bonus for him.
"He's looking to get himself right for that campaign."
Koula has made eight appearances for Tonga at Test level, and has taken his game to new heights in 2026, which saw him earn NSW Blues representative honours.
Regarded as one of the fastest players in the competition, all Koula needs is early ball and half an opportunity for him to find open space.
With damaging speed and agility, it is a massive boost to Tonga's World Cup title credentials to have Koula set to feature for the small Pacific nation.
Despite being ruled out for the rest of Manly's season, Foran's hopes remain high for Koula to represent his heritage in October.
"He's a really positive young guy," Foran continued.
"Like naturally (he's) disappointed that the injuries happened.
"But he's just got to get on with his rehab and get his ankle back to full strength and full flexibility."
Koula is expected to be joined by Sea Eagles teammates Lehi Hopoate and Haumole Olakau'atu in Tonga camp.
The Sea Eagles remain a slim mathematical chance to make the Top 8, but still have to thwart the Dragons then the Warriors in Auckland, while other teams must lose to their favour.
The club snapped a six-game losing streak in the Hunter on Saturday and heads into Round 26 with confidence to get the job done against a struggling Red V outfit.
