The Manly Sea Eagles have lost veteran centre Steve Matai for the rest of the season with a neck injury.
Matai will undergo neck surgery to rectify the problem that has kept him on the sidelines since Round 9.
"We are confident that Steve will make a full recovery and be ready for pre-season training in 2017," Manly coach Trent Barrett said.
"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."
Matai joins Jayden Hodges (knee) and Brenton Lawrence (pec) on the sidelines for the rest of the season.
