Manly have been rocked by injuries less than a month out from the opening round of the NRL season, with three key players failing to get through the Sea Eagles’ latest trial match unscathed.
Gun prop Martin Taupau was injured in the first tackle of the clash with the Raiders and is now dealing with a minor back injury, while backrower Haumole Olakau’atu (fractured arm) and utility Dylan Walker (knee) were felled by injury late in the game, won 18-16 by Canberra.
Taupau left play immediately and didn’t return, as Fox League commentator Andrew Voss grimaced at the tackle.
READ MORE: Tszyu camp questions rival’s ‘training videos’
READ MORE: Djokovic loses No.1 spot after Dubai loss
READ MORE: Greg Norman escalates war tearing golf apart
“Your body is not meant to go and fold up like that,” Voss said.
Sideline reporter Jake Duke said there was “no major issue”.
“He’s just jarred his back, he’s got a bit of ice on it,” Duke said.
“Manly are still willing to say maybe touch and go for round one.”
Taniela Paseka was brought on to replace Taupau, who is in the last year of his contract and said he had not yet been sounded out about a new deal.
“At this time of year as a player I am focusing on the pre-season and preparing myself for the year,” Taupau had told Fox Sports earlier this week.
“But in terms of a new contract I haven’t spoken to anyone.
“It would be great if there was any interest. If there is any interest that you would know? Would you pass on a message?”
Walker expressed a similar message, saying he’d love a long-term deal after the insecurity of several short-term contracts in recent years.
The Sea Eagles and reigning premiers the Panthers will open the 2022 season in Penrith on March 10.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!