AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 09: Steve Matai of the Sea Eagles in action during the round six NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Manly Sea Eagles at Mt Smart Stadium on April 9, 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

The Manly Sea Eagles have added to their growing injury list with centre Steve Matai now being ruled out for the rest of the season.

Contracted for next season, Matai will soon undergo neck surgery on an injury that has seen him play just eight matches for the Sea Eagles this season. His last match was against the Nth Qld Cowboys in round nine.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 09: Steve Matai of the Sea Eagles in action during the round six NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Manly Sea Eagles at Mt Smart Stadium on April 9, 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 09: Steve Matai of the Sea Eagles in action during the round six NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Manly Sea Eagles at Mt Smart Stadium on April 9, 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

“We are confident that Steve will make a full recovery and be ready for pre-season training in 2017,’’  Coach Trent Barrett said.

“It is devastating for Steve and certainly not ideal for our team. He has been an integral part of Manly’s success for a long time.

“I’ve been ultra-impressed with ‘Skivi’ and how he carries himself both on and off the field.

“He is one of our leaders. He is a tough man. We are confident by undergoing this surgery, it will prolong his career.”

Read more at SeaEagles.com.au

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