Manly will be without Josh Schuster for the round-one clash against Canterbury, delaying his start as NRL playmaker for the Sea Eagles.
Schuster sustained a calf injury in Friday's victory over the Sydney Roosters in the Pre-Season Challenge with MRI scans later confirming a negative diagnosis.
As a result the 21-year-old will be unavailable for the match-up with the Bulldogs at 4 Pines Park on Saturday, March 4.
With the Sea Eagles enjoying a bye the week after, Schuster is expected to be fit in the third week when Anthony Seibold's men host 2022 grand finalists Parramatta at 4 Pines Park.
Schuster's unavailability will provide an early opportunity for either Cooper Johns or Kaeo Weekes.
The Sea Eagles are trying to put a disappointing 2022 behind them after missing out on finals which led to the sacking of coach Des Hasler.
Seibold's men have made a promising start to the season with wins over South Sydney and the Roosters.
