Centre Steve Matai will be assessed after training today to determine his chances of returning from a neck injury against Canberra Raiders tomorrow night.
Named by Coach Trent Barrett in the starting team on Tuesday, Matai remains hopeful of playing his first match for the Sea Eagles since the round nine loss against the Nth Qld Cowboys at Brookvale Oval.
“We are still not sure with Steve. He has got that ongoing neck problem,’’ Barrett said this morning.
“He has been to another surgeon to get another opinion this week. He will train today and we will see how it pulls up.
“It is a day to day thing with Steve at the moment. We will just have to wait and see.”
As for Manly's Origin players from last night's win by Queensland, Barrett said prop Nate Myles will also be checked as to whether he plays against Canberra. Centre Dylan Walker will be a definite starter after playing just 10 minutes of the match.
Barrett said he was pleased by Myles' performance.
"Nate was good. He became one of the most capped front-rowers to play 30 Origin matches. It is a huge effort for a front-rower at that level,'' Barrett said.
“He is an important part of our side. Hopefully it kick starts his season along, and our season as well.
“A lot of people don’t see what Nate does off the field and around training. He is a terrific leader for us and I am sure he wants to get better.
“I think last night that he showed he has still got it.”
Barrett also revealed the latest setback suffered by winger Jorge Taufua since injuring his collarbone in the round seven loss to Parramatta Eels at Brookvale Oval.
“Jorge got an infection after the surgery, so it has put him back a few weeks,’’ Barrett said.
“We thought he would be right for this game and he was on track until he got this infection, and had to go back in to have surgery again a fortnight ago.”
It is hoped Taufua will return next week against the Penrith Panthers at Brookvale Oval.
