Manly prop Josh Aloiai is facing three months on the sidelines with a wrist injury that was aggravated in Saturday's loss to Penrith.
In a serious blow for the Sea Eagles, the 25-year-old will consult with specialists this week and is likely to undergo surgery which will rule him out for 12 weeks.
The ex-Wests Tigers forward has been battling with a sore wrist for the past few weeks but Manly physio James Rahme said Aloiai was in increasing pain after playing 48 minutes against the Panthers.
"It's got to the stage that he's had to visit the specialist this week and it doesn't look like good news, he may miss three months after surgery," Rahme said.
"He's been pushing through the last couple of weeks but it's got to the stage that he's got to make a call on his wrist and longevity in the game."
It will come as a big blow for the Sea Eagles, with Aloiai averaging 145 running metres a game across his first eight matches for the club.
Should Aloiai undergo surgery as expected, he would not be fit to return to to the field until at least round 20.
Fellow prop Marty Taupau is also set to miss Sunday's clash with the Warriors as he recovers from a concussion.
In their place coach Des Hasler has named Sean Keppie and Taniela Paseka to start in the front row.
Australian Associated Press
