The Roosters worst fears have been confirmed with star centre Joey Manu ruled out for two to three weeks with a calf strain.
The 26-year-old left the field during Round 25’s cross-town grudge match in the 60th minute, hobbling over the sideline.
Following scans, the Roosters gun will be able to return for the preliminary final at the earliest if the Tricolours make a deep finals run.
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“That is a devastating blow, he’s an X-Factor in their premiership race and their run towards that trophy,” Fox League’s Michael Ennis said Manu left the field.
Fox League’s Corey Parker went as far as saying the Roosters finals chances are finished without the Kiwi international.
“He’s huge, a huge loss in my opinion, Joey Manu. I’ve got him as one of – or my favourite player in the game,” Parker said.
“He’s so much of an influence for this Roosters outfit. I’d nearly go (so far as) to say they couldn’t go any further without him. That’s a bold statement, that is a bold statement.
“He’s a terrific player. I saw in the last ten minutes the way South were able to sort of identify the lack of speed through (Drew) Hutchison out on the edge there and they were able to expose him. Interesting how it all unfolds over the next week, but a massive, massive loss.”
In a huge boost for Trent Robinson’s side, star enforcer Victor Radley has completed the NRL’ concussion protocols and is set for a return to face the Rabbitohs.
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Star wingers Daniel Tupou and Joseph Suaalii will also return to training to prove their fitness for the club’s elimination final.
Tupou suffered a groin injury in Round 24, while Suaalii was a late omission with a shoulder issue.
The 19-year-old, if fit, is a strong chance of slotting into the centres in place of Manu, while Paul Momorovski will likely remain on the wing.
Meanwhile, both Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Sam Verrills will have to prove their fitness with “intensive rehabilitation” according to a club statement.
The hulking prop left the field with a hamstring concern but was seen riding an exercise bike pitch-side, while Sam Verrills also suffered a hand injury.
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