Jamal Fogarty is ready and roaring to make his Manly return, but coach Kieran Foran says teenage sensation Joey Walsh will still play an integral part in Manly's push for the NRL finals.
The Sea Eagles face a depleted Wests Tigers on Saturday in Magic Round and have been boosted by the return of their star halfback Fogarty from a groin injury.
But the 32-year-old's inclusion has relegated Walsh to the bench after showing glimpses of his glittering potential across the past two games for Manly.
The strong performances came after Foran initially followed in ex-Manly coach Anthony Seibold's footsteps to keep the 19-year-old developing in the NSW Cup.
"Everyone's seen just what this guy is capable of, and we've made no secret about how excited we are about Joey's future," Foran said on Friday.
"We're just going to keep building on what he's done for us. He's going to play an integral part in our season this year and for many more years to come.
"It's a great headache to have as a coach. You've got another half ready to go, and putting pressure on these two guys now for the rest of the season."
Fogarty was tipped to return for last Saturday's 32-4 thumping of Brisbane, but was given the extra week off, and Foran believes it did him a world of good.
He'll join Jake Simpkin, who comes into the starting side for hooker Brandon Wakeham (suspension), while Kobe Hetherington (concussion) and Zach Dockar-Clay are new names on the bench.
For the Tigers, their player shortage has suffered another blow with lock Alex Twal ruled out with a knee injury on Friday, although he is expected to return after their round 12 bye.
Elsewhere, Latu Fainu shifts to hooker with Origin hopeful Api Koroisau still suspended, but Terrell May returns after the birth of his child as he looks to make a last-minute pitch for a State of Origin spot with NSW.
Blues coach Laurie Daley will name his side after Magic Round, and with barnstorming prop Payne Haas (knee) set to miss the May 27 opener, it has opened the door for May's inclusion after producing several big performances for the Tigers this campaign.
"Nothing surprises me anymore. I thought he (May) should have made it last year," Wests coach Benji Marshall said.
"But again the footy does the talking, so he's got a good opportunity to go and put his case forward again. But I think he's been great for us."
