Manly is preparing for life without star fullback Brett Stewart for up to six weeks after he damaged his knee as the Sea Eagles crashed to a 26-22 defeat to a fast-finishing Wests Tigers in Monday night football.
The former Test star limped from the SFS six minutes from full-time after attempting to bring down Lote Tuqiri at full pelt as the Tigers made a dramatic late comeback to steal the match after being behind by 16 points with 21 minutes left.
While it's not the same knee that has troubled him throughout his career, Stewart could be out of action until at least Round 8.
"It's his other knee that he's injured. It' completely unrelated to anything else before," club doctor Paul Bloomfield said.
"It may well be a medial meniscus tear but we will know tomorrow when we have an MRI scan."
"It could be anywhere between three and six weeks (on the sideline)."
"It shouldn't be (a season-ender) but we'll have to look at the MRI scan."
It was a forgettable night for Manly; Stewart's loss coming on top of three players being placed on report for high shots as the visitors threw away certain victory.
Winger David Williams, who dislocated his collarbone at training on match eve, could be out for 10 weeks.
Coach Des Hasler was understandably concerned for Stewart, who missed the majority of last season due to suspension and injury.
"It's pretty easy to see he's not in a good way. We won't know until we do a full medical on him," Hasler said.
Prop Brent Kite added: "I'm a bit concerned and just feel for him. He's had a bit of a horror run."
Winger Michael Robertson deputised for Stewart last year and is likely to slot in at No.1 while the champion fullback is sidelined.
"Brett just can't take a trick at the moment. To lose someone the calibre of Brett's going to be a massive blow but someone's going to have to fill in," Robertson said.
"He missed a lot of games last year. He's a freak and you don't want to lose one of your best players."
"It's something we're going to have to deal with."
"I will do whatever Dessie wants but there are a few different options."
"If he needs me to do that (play fullback) I'll do it."
Hasler said of his side's capitulation from 20-4 up: "No excuses. We just didn't convert it."
"You don't lose the game of footy from 20-4."