Tom Trbojevic's latest injury has opened the door for one of their most reliable stars to fill in at fullback - and it could become a more permanent fixture in the long-term.
Reuben Garrick slotted straight into the highly-important role during Manly's Round 17 loss to the Storm, but was among the side's best players despite the result.
The 25-year-old finished with nine tackle breaks and 213 run metres against the NRL heavyweights and his coach was more than happy to praise him post-game.
Speaking to the media after the clash, Anthony Seibold revealed Garrick will remain in the No.1 jumper for the remainder of the season after impressing in his new role.
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“I thought he was outstanding," Seibold said.
"His effort off the footy, he made a try-saving tackle on Xavier [Coates] and came across on Will Warbrick there.
"I think Reuben will have that No.1 going forward for the rest of the season and if he can build some cohesion and combination, he’ll be better - but I really liked his start there."
Could Reuben Garrick become Manly's long-term fullback?
Garrick has played every position in the back-five since making his debut for the Sea Eagles four years ago, crossing the 100-game milestone mark last month.
The Gerringong Lions junior has scored 64 tries - the majority of which have come on the wing - but is more than happy to fill in for the injured 'Tommy Turbo' moving forward.
“It’s obviously very disappointing for him – he works so hard at his craft and on his body," Garrick said.
"To go down early on in a game that he was really excited to play, and as a Blues supporter, it was hard to see. We’re all here supporting him and wishing him the best in recovery.
“I try to know what to do in each position, so if the time does come, I can easily switch in there. I try to pride myself on knowing each shape during the week and if I’m ever called upon, I can do that job.
"They are very big shoes to fill, but I’m going to play my game and do my best job for the team. It’s just a different position, it’s always nice to play and you get a bit more of a role in the team.
"If I’m the best person to fill that position, then so be it for that week."
While it's unlikely Garrick will find a full-time role at the back, Trbojevic's injury concerns have raised questions over his own future and whether he would be better suited in the centres.
Dragons legend Jamie Soward took to social media during the clash against Melbourne to give a suggestion to the Manly coaching staff.
What about the future for manly being tommy at centre and Garrick at 1. Thoughts?
— Jamie Soward (@sowwowofficial6) June 24, 2023
Trbojevic is signed until the end of 2026 and is expected to assume fullback duties next year when he returns from a torn pectoral, but has proven his ability to play out wide for NSW in the past.
Garrick is also locked in long-term with the club and has become a fan-favourite at Brookvale Oval.
Will Manly make the finals this year?
Despite missing their biggest star for the rest of the season, Manly are still in the mix for a top-eight spot and are one of many teams in the mid-table logjam.
Sitting on 17 competition points and in 13th spot on the NRL ladder, Garrick knows they are in a must-win scenario each week and believes stability in the spine with Daly Cherry-Evans and Josh Schuster will play a crucial role in any potential success.
“We know the position we’re in, and we’d be silly to say we’re not looking at the long game and what we need to do to play football in September," he said.
"We know we need to win the next couple and given how tight the comp is and the position we’re in, we have to really put our heads down and bums up and play our best footy at this back-end of the year.
“Our attack probably wasn’t up to standard [against Melbourne], so that’s something we are really working hard on this week.
"It’s been tough to get that gel lately, given people are in and out of the team… it’s not totally personnel changes, it’s just getting those combinations right.
"If you have a couple of weeks with the same spine in a row, like the best teams have, it definitely helps."
