The Manly Sea Eagles are facing a significant setback in their pursuit of a finals spot as forward Kobe Hetherington is set for surgery following a bicep injury sustained during training on Monday.
Hetherington, who joined the Sea Eagles after clinching the 2025 premiership title with the Brisbane Broncos, has made a solid impact on the team.
The Rockhampton product helped to strengthen the Sea Eagles' middle, an area that struggled defensively last season, and has thrived under the leadership of Kieran Foran.
Having featured in 17 matches in his debut season with the club, Hetherington's upcoming surgery will terminate his season prematurely.
This injury places additional pressure on the squad to secure a Top 8 position, which seemed promising just six weeks ago, but recent form has significantly declined.
In addition to Hetherington, Manly has already lost Siosiua Taukeiaho for the rest of the year due to a severe leg fracture, while Caleb Navale's torn ACL in January leaves his return uncertain.
Luke Brooks is also sidelined for the entire season, and talented outside back Clayton Faulalo continues to battle a hamstring issue that arose in early July.
As the team heads to Perth, former Broncos and Roosters player Fletcher Baker has been named on the six-man bench and may make his club debut to bolster the thin forward pack.
On a positive note, improved hooker Brandon Wakeham is set to return from a calf injury sustained in Round 16, and Corey Waddell will take Ben Trbojevic's place on the left edge due to recent head knock concerns.