Sydney Roosters centre Joseph Manu has been ruled out of Friday evening's clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Manu failed to complete last Saturday's clash with the Wests Tigers, leaving the ground with a hamstring injury. The win over the Tigers has kept the Roosters in the finals hunt, with Manu replacing the concussed James Tedesco at the back in that game, before Joseph Suaalii became the Roosters' third option at the back for much of the contest.
Even minor hamstring injuries generally require at least a week off, but the Roosters surprised the rugby league world on Monday when their medical update said they would give the star every opportunity to play this weekend.
It came with the Roosters desperate to beat the Rabbitohs on Friday evening. If the tri-colours come up short in their crunch Round 27 match, they will be eliminated from finals contention, while a win only requires one of the North Queensland Cowboys or Canberra Raiders to lose for the tri-colours to qualify.
RELATED: How every Round 27 NRL game can change the final ladder
It was confirmed on Thursday morning however that the star New Zealand international, who took out last year's Golden Boot award, will not be able to play against South Sydney.
Joey Manu won’t be available for the Roosters this weekend - couldn’t accelerate the rehab enough from the usual 2 week recovery time for minor hamstring strains. Smart play considering high risk of re-injury. He is expected to be available if the Roosters qualify for finals
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 30, 2023
Coach Trent Robinson confirmed that Manu would miss out with Corey Allan to come into the side, while James Tedesco had passed fit in recovering from a head knock suffered a fortnight ago.
His ability to play could be a game-changer for the Roosters, and is a massive boost for the club given his history with concussion issues.
It also means the Roosters will be the only side in the game to have their first-choice fullback, with Latrell Mitchell out suspended for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
It's understood Manu has a strong chance of being available for the first week of finals action if the Bondi-based side qualifies.
