Injured Manly co-captain Jamie Lyon won't risk letting his ankle injury become season-ending but is hopeful of an NRL return against South Sydney on Saturday night.
Lyon has been named with Steve Matai (suspension) in a beefed-up Sea Eagles centre pairing for the Brookvale Oval clash as Manly look to overcome a mini-slump of three losses in the past four games.
He ran for the first time on Monday after being ruled out of the NSW side for State of Origin II with the syndesmosis problem.
"You've always got to look after your injuries and it's one of those sorts I could have for the rest of the season if I don't look after it," he told reporters on Tuesday.
"I've got a few more tests later in the week and had my first run yesterday and it felt pretty good, so in a couple of days' time I'll have another run and see how it goes but it should be right."
Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler will also wait on an assessment of forward Anthony Watmough (groin), who could also return in time for the clash with the Rabbitohs.
