NEWCASTLE fullback Kurt Gidley virtually ruled himself out of Sunday's clash with Manly at Brookvale Oval last night despite being named by the Knights to make a return from a back injury against the Sea Eagles.
The Knightsskipper missed his side's win over North Queensland last weekend and has officially been given until tomorrow to prove his fitness.
But he is already resigned to pulling out.
Gidley revealed yesterday he has been told by club doctor Neil Halpin not to play and doesn't see that changing.
"The back feels a lot better than it was this time last week but it is still sore,''Gidley said. "I'd love to play down there. It's been a fair while since I've played at Brookvale and it's always a great atmosphere .
"But Neil's basically already said I'm not playing and thinks I'm going to need a bit more time to get it 100 percent.
"I don't want to come back early and then be out the following week with it.''
Coach Rick Stone is certain to retain Shannon McDonnell at fullback in Gidley's absence.
It wasn't all bad news for the unbeaten Knights yesterday.
In-form halfback Jarrod Mullen's bruised sternum has improved faster than expected and he is now considered in no doubt for the Manly game.
Mullen was expected to rest early this week to give himself the best chance of over-coming the injury but did some light training with the squad yesterday and is certain to play.
Defying the odds, the Knights currently sit on top of the premiership ladder and are one of only three unbeaten teams in the competition along with Melbourne and Canterbury.
Gidley is not surprised at his side's good start.
"Everyone is doing their bit and pitching in and we've got some depth to cover injuries this season,''Gidley said.
"It was a really good win up in Townsville.''
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MANLY SEA EAGLES v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS at Brookvale Oval, 3pm
SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Will Hopoate, Tony Williams, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King (capt), Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart: Interchange: Terence Seuseu, Jamie Buhrer, George Rose, Vic Mauro, Tim Robinson (one to be omitted).
Ins: Jason King, Glenn Stewart
Outs: Daniel Harrison (dropped)
Other injuries/suspensions: Jamie Lyon (hamstring, round 6), Steve Matai (suspension, round 5), Shane Rodney (shoulder, round 8 )
Comment: Jamie Buhrer must surely come into cheapie calculations after two very solid showings. Daly Cherry-Evans, Vic Mauro and Tim Robinson (next week) are also possible cash cows. Glenn Stewart (arm), Tony Williams (ankle) and David Williams (back) will be monitored during the week, while Jason King returns from suspension.
KNIGHTS: Kurt Gidley (capt), James McManus, Tafeaga Junior Sa’u, Wes Naiqama, Akuila Uate, Beau Henry, Jarrod Mullen, Antonio Kaufusi, Matt Hilder, Evarn Tuimavave, Zeb Taia, Cameron Ciraldo, Chris Houston. Interchange: Ben Rogers, Cory Paterson, Lisiate Richie Fa’aoso, Dan Tolar.
Ins: Kurt Gidley, Joel Edwards
Outs: Shannon McDonnell (dropped)
Other injuries/suspensions: Isaac De Gois (thumb, round 6), Neville Costigan (broken arm, round 14), Mark Taufua (finger, round 4), Adam MacDougall (death of father, round 4)
Comment: Returning captain Kurt Gidley (back) will face a fitness test later in the week, while coach Ricky Stone considers Jarrod Mullen (sternum) a “certaintyâ€Â. Plenty of Knights will see huge rises after this week, including Junior Sa’u, Beau Henry, Jarrod Mullen, Chris Houston and Richie Fa’aoso.