Just when they get Tom Trbojevich back Manly are set to lose Dylan Walker and Jack Gosiewski for long periods.
The Sea Eagles finally ignited their NRL campaign on Friday night, claiming their first win of the season with a last-second 13-12 heart-stopper against the Warriors courtesy of a Daly-Cherry Evans field goal.
Coach Des Hasler later confirmed superstar Tom Trbojevic is in line to make his long-awaited season start after a hamstring injury in next week's road trip against Gold Coast in Mudgee.
However the double boost was tempered by news that centre Walker and second-rower Gosiewski are facing extended time on the sideline with injury.
Walker limped off in the second half with a hamstring issue after falling awkwardly in a Roger Tuivasa-Sheck tackle that also ended in his shorts being pulled down.
The former NSW representative, who had been deputising for Trbojevic at fullback, is one of the most experienced players in the squad and his absence will be felt.
"They're never easy things. we're looking at somewhere between 4-8 (weeks)," Hasler said.
The diagnosis was worse for the hard-working Gosiewski, whose foot injury will further decimate the club's already depleted back row stocks.
Hasler confirmed big man Haumole Olakau'atu will be available after recovering from an elbow problem, however Curtis Sironen (knee) and Andrew Davey (ACL) are still out.
"Probably season-ending for Jack. The doc's not too confident. We'll get the scans done and we'll from there," Hasler said.
But the return of Trbojevic will be a godsend for the Sea Eagles side who are a different side with the Kangaroos representative wearing the No.1.
"He's got to get through this week," Hasler said.
"This side learned a lot about themselves tonight. We'll grow a bit from that and move on. A couple of injuries, but at the same time we're a chance of getting some players back next week."
Australian Associated Press
