Matai ruled out for the rest of the season

Manly Sea Eagles centre Steve Matai has been ruled out of the rest of the 2016 NRL season with a neck injury. 

The 34 year-old did not take to the field during Manly’s 30-18 loss to the Canberra Raiders last weekend, and it has emerged that the injury to Matai is worse than originally thought. 

This news comes as a blow to the Sea Eagles who are trying to push towards the top eight, and is added to the ever-growing injury list. 

The Sea Eagles will have to cope without Matai when they face Penrith Panthers, and are considered the bigger priced underdogs on betting sites that offer Tiki Island slot. 

Sea Eagles head coach Trent Barrett has already spoke of his frustration at losing Matai, but says he should be back and ready to go in time for the 2017 pre-season.

“We are confident that Steve will make a full recovery and be ready for pre-season training in 2017,” Trent Barrett told the club’s official website.

“It is devastating for Steve and certainly not ideal for our team. He has been an integral part of Manly’s success for a long time.

“I’ve been ultra-impressed with ‘Skivi’ and how he carries himself both on and off the field. He is one of our leaders. He is a tough man. We are confident by undergoing this surgery, it will prolong his career.”