Manly's Matai might be fit for Sharks
Manly officials have not ruled out centre Steve Matai making a remarkable recovery from a serious chest injury to play Cronulla at Toyota Stadium on Saturday.
Matai was vomiting blood after a heavy collision in the Sea Eagles 34-14 NRL win over the Gold Coast on Friday night and sent to hospital where he was diagnosed with lung bruising.
The Kiwi Test centre was sent for CT scans to determine the extent of the bruising, but club officials will give the 23-year-old as much time as he needs to prove his fitness for Saturday's top of the table clash.
Football manager Steve Gigg said Matai's condition had improved considerably over the weekend and if his recovery continues at this speed he could be available to face the Sharks.
"There's certainly no long term problems for him," said Gigg.
"The chances of him playing this week are probably not good.
"But if by mid week it has all settled down he could be right to play. We will just monitor him."
While Matai is an unlikely starter to face the Sharks, prop Jason King is pushing his chances at selection after missing the past 10 weeks with a foot injury.
King has eased back into full training and would be a handy addition to the Sea Eagles side for the expected tough forwards battle against the Sharks.
"He is getting pretty close," said Gigg on King's return.
"He is probably more of a chance for the week after."
Cronulla upset Manly 16-10 in round one at Brookvale Oval this year and will be determined to get revenge at Shark Park.
© 2008 AAP
Manly officials have not ruled out centre Steve Matai making a remarkable recovery from a serious chest injury to play Cronulla at Toyota Stadium on Saturday.
Matai was vomiting blood after a heavy collision in the Sea Eagles 34-14 NRL win over the Gold Coast on Friday night and sent to hospital where he was diagnosed with lung bruising.
The Kiwi Test centre was sent for CT scans to determine the extent of the bruising, but club officials will give the 23-year-old as much time as he needs to prove his fitness for Saturday's top of the table clash.
Football manager Steve Gigg said Matai's condition had improved considerably over the weekend and if his recovery continues at this speed he could be available to face the Sharks.
"There's certainly no long term problems for him," said Gigg.
"The chances of him playing this week are probably not good.
"But if by mid week it has all settled down he could be right to play. We will just monitor him."
While Matai is an unlikely starter to face the Sharks, prop Jason King is pushing his chances at selection after missing the past 10 weeks with a foot injury.
King has eased back into full training and would be a handy addition to the Sea Eagles side for the expected tough forwards battle against the Sharks.
"He is getting pretty close," said Gigg on King's return.
"He is probably more of a chance for the week after."
Cronulla upset Manly 16-10 in round one at Brookvale Oval this year and will be determined to get revenge at Shark Park.
© 2008 AAP
