Manly Sea Eagles have been dealt a significant early-season setback, with rising lock Caleb Navale expected to miss the majority of the 2026 NRL campaign after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during a training session.
Navale's Season in Tatters After Knee Injury
Medical staff at Manly confirmed on Wednesday that Navale had injured his right knee, with initial assessments indicating a severe ACL tear. While there is a glimmer of hope for a potential late-season comeback, the Fijian international's 2026 season is largely considered over, dealing a blow to the team's forward options.
Navale, who made seven appearances for the Sea Eagles last season, was poised to become a key figure in the middle this year after an impressive pre-season. His absence leaves a notable gap in Manly's roster, compounding existing challenges in their forward pack.
Coach Seibold Expresses Support for Injured Star
Manly coach Anthony Seibold voiced his sympathy for Navale, highlighting the player's dedication and potential impact. "We're all feeling for Caleb at the moment," Seibold said. "He's had his best pre-season ever and was on track to be a regular in our match-day line-up. I do know Caleb will throw everything he can into his rehab, and the goal now is to get him back before the end of the season."
Manly's Forward Depth Under Scrutiny
The injury exacerbates long-standing concerns over Manly's forward depth, which has been a persistent issue for the club. Despite boasting one of the fastest backlines in the NRL, the Sea Eagles have struggled to maintain a robust forward contingent, a weakness that could hinder their 2026 aspirations.
In response to these challenges, Manly have made some roster adjustments, including the acquisition of Kobe Hetherington from Brisbane. However, they have also lost several experienced middle forwards:
- Toff Sipley
- Josh Aloiai
- Jazz Tevaga
- Matt Lodge
These departures, combined with Navale's injury, place additional pressure on the remaining forwards to step up.
Trbojevic's Comeback Adds to Forward Uncertainty
Further complicating Manly's forward situation is the ongoing recovery of veteran lock Jake Trbojevic, who is attempting to return from repeated concussions that ended his 2025 season prematurely. His availability and form remain uncertain, adding another layer of unpredictability to the team's forward stocks.
As the Sea Eagles navigate these setbacks, the focus will shift to how they adapt their strategy and utilise their remaining resources to compete effectively in the upcoming NRL season.
