The Manly Sea Eagles will face Newcastle without their promising young half, Joey Walsh, who is sidelined due to a jaw injury.
At just 20 years old, Walsh was recently discovered to have played most of last weekend's match against the Dolphins with a hairline fracture in his jaw.
Reports from CODE Sports indicate that Walsh will soon consult with specialists to determine if he could potentially return this season.
If not, it may end his debut season prematurely.
Walsh is expected to be substituted by Clayton Faulalo in the halves, as coach Kieran Foran lauded the young player's resilience.
"He is such a tough kid," Foran told CODE Sports.
"The fact that he played the majority of the game against the Dolphins with a hairline fracture in his jaw shows how brave he is. It's disappointing that he won't be able to play against Newcastle but we haven't given up hope that he can play again this season."
Faulalo may lack extensive experience in the halves but brings a lively presence near the try line, along with a sharp passing ability that can effectively set up teammates.
Foran could have chosen Brandon Wakeham for the half position or young talent Onitoni Large, who has yet to debut in the NRL.
In positive news for the Sea Eagles, superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic is set to return from a hamstring injury that kept him out for a month.