The Roosters have been dealt a big blow after Joey Manu left the field after suffering two fractures in his hand in the first half of his side’s clash against the Tigers.
The Roosters on Monday announced the Kiwi centre will undergo surgery and is expected to be out for a month.
It leaves a gaping hole in the Chooks’ backline as the team has already been struggling for centre depth.
Sitili Tupouniua – a backrower – lined up at left centre on Sunday
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With 10 minutes to go, Manu attempted to palm off Adam Doueihi but immediately went to ground clutching at his left hand.
“He went to defend Doueihi and something snapped … it was pain instantly,” commentator Andrew Voss said on Fox League.
“That’s terrible luck for Joseph Manu … that is a setback in a night that’s been going all one way for the Roosters.”
At half-time, Roosters legend Cooper Cronk described it as “pretty bad”.
The night started well for the Tricolours, with Dominic Young scoring a first half double.
Terrell May and Luke Keary also got themselves tries to give the Roosters a 20-0 lead at half time.
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The onslaught continued after the break, with Daniel Tupou scoring.
The Tigers then found themselves in a lot of strife with Api Koroisau sin binned for a dangerous throw on Lindsay Collins in the 55th minute. They went down to 11 men in the 63rd minute when Adam Doueihi was given the same punishment for a hip drop.
James Tedesco, Victor Radley and Tupou all scored when the Tigers were at a disadvantage.
Fonua Pole finally got the Tigers on the board in the last minute to end the game at 40-6.