Manly lose King for season

Manly’s premiership aspirations have been dealt a blow with news that prop Jason King has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Scans today confirmed that King suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the opening minutes of Sunday’s 36-8 victory over the Sydney Roosters at Brookvale Oval.

Manly coach Des Hasler said the scans confirmed what he had expected.

“Our club doctor Paul Bloomfield was adamant yesterday that the news was going to be what it is – I feel so sorry for Jason who is a heck of a person and an inspirational co captain of the side,” said Hasler.

“He will be missed but I am confident in the players who will now get an opportunity.”

King will consult with surgeons to devise a plan for rehabilitating the injury, which is commonplace in the modern game.

“It’s a tough game and I play up front where injuries can always be just around the corner,” he said. “

But I am part of a team and will remain so. I will be with the team every minute of their finals charge and I am confident in our depth to cover any situation.

“The mix of experience and youth is as good as I can remember at the club and this is a special bunch of mates going in the one direction.

“We can jump any hurdle with the 17 we put on the field each week,” King said.