Josh Schuster says he'll be ready to step up and fill Kieran Foran's void at five-eighth for Manly if called upon by coach Des Hasler.
Foran suffered a suspected broken hand in Friday night's big win over Brisbane, with the Sea Eagles expecting him to be sidelined for at least a few weeks.
Working in their favour at least is they have the bye in round 13, meaning they could escape with Foran missing just one match.
Regardless though, they must find a new No.6 for next Sunday's crunch clash with Parramatta.
Hasler realistically has two options.
A natural No.6, Schuster has been starring as an extra point of attack in the second row this year on Foran's left edge.
But if Curtis Sironen returns from a knee injury as planned, Schuster could slide into the halves after spending 40 minutes there against Brisbane.
Alternatively, Cade Cust has featured off the bench this year as a utility and is also a noted half and finished Friday in that position.
"I'm pretty comfortable with it," Schuster said.
"I played five-eighth before and when I heard I had to jump into the halves with Foz (injured), I was pretty happy with it.
"If I'm being honest though I am pretty disappointed for my mate Kieran Foran.
"I know how hard he will work to get back."
Schuster's debut at five-eighth last year was labelled by Benji Marshall as the best he'd seen in his 18 seasons of NRL.
But the 20-year-old was injured in that match and has since been happy to bide his time learning behind Foran after training at No.6 in the preseason.
Daly Cherry-Evans said he was unsure who would partner him against the Eels, with Manly now in the top eight after winning five of their past six.
"Either one of those will be game ready no doubt," Cherry-Evans said.
"Cade Cust is a good player who has played No.6 for us before ... and Schuey is only early in his career but he will be up to the challenge.
"I was always confident in his (Schuster's) ability.
"But he has shown a level of girt and determination as a back-rower that I have never seen in him before.
"It just goes to show how committed he is to being a first-grade player and it's great to see all the rewards coming for him."
Australian Associated Press
