Manly Sea Eagles have been forced into a backline reshuffle for Friday night’s clash against the Raiders, with youngster Lehi Hopoate sidelined due to an AC joint injury.
The 19-year-old, who has impressed in recent weeks at fullback, will miss the Round 23 fixture in Canberra, paving the way for veteran Tom Trbojevic to slot straight back into the No.1 jersey. Trbojevic’s return marks a timely boost for the 10th-placed Sea Eagles as they look to stay in the finals hunt.
Hopoate’s injury is one of two key changes made by head coach Anthony Seibold following last week’s defeat to the Roosters.
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Chee Kam’s return 11 years after debut
Michael Chee Kam, who began his NRL journey with Manly back in 2014, will feature in his first top-grade match of the season, replacing Ben Trbojevic, who is out under concussion protocols. The 33-year-old rejoined the Sea Eagles this year from South Sydney.
Meanwhile, centre Tommy Talau shifts into the starting side, and Aaron Schoupp, who’s been consistent in the NSW Cup, has been added to the bench for his first NRL appearance of 2025.
Manly will also don their 2025 Indigenous Round kit for the match at GIO Stadium.