Hip-flexor complaint could rule out fullback before kickoff against Sydney Roosters.
Manly have named superstar fullback Brett Stewart to take on the Sydney Roosters, despite missing the entire second half last round with a hip-flexor injury.
Stewart was a noticeable absentee as his side nearly blew a 18-point lead against the St George Illawarra Dragons at WIN Stadium.
After going into the change-rooms at half-time and cooling down, Stewart complained to Manly trainers his movement was severely restricted and the Sea Eagles opted not to risk aggravating the injury.
In other Manly selection news, Steve Matai (suspension) returns at centre, pushing Tom Symonds to the bench and Jesse Sene-Lefao out of the side while Jamie Buhrer (knee) also returns.
If Manly are to continue to win they will need to fix their ball retention and discipline after their abysmal display against the Dragons last round after finishing with just 40 per cent of possession and being on the wrong end of a 9-3 penalty count.
In what is arguably the game of the round, the high-flying Roosters have only added more power to their arsenal with Sam Moa (knee, indefinite) is out, replaced in the starting side by Martin Kennedy.
Frank-Paul Nuuausala (knee) returns from injury on the bench while Sonny Bill Williams continues to be outstanding for the 6-2 Roosters.
Amazingly the Roosters past four victories, coming in the last five weeks, have been by a combined margin of 136 points, testament to their outstanding attack.
Michael Jennings is arguably having the best season of his career and is in contention for another spot in the NSW Origin squad, having scored six tries this season and averaging 113 from 10 runs a game.
SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon (capt), Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Brenton Lawrence, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Justin Horo, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: James Hasson, Tom Symonds, Jamie Buhrer, George Rose, Esi Tonga (one to be omitted).
ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello (capt), Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend, Martin Kennedy, Mitchell Aubusson, Sonny Bill Williams, Boyd Cordner. Interchange: Daniel Mortimer, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Aidan Guerra, Luke O’Donnell.
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