Manly have suffered a significant blow ahead of Friday night's NRL match against Parramatta with star backrower Anthony Watmough ruled out.

Watmough is expected to miss between two and four weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage in last Friday's grand final re-match with Melbourne.

Jamie Lyon is also in doubt with a corked thigh while the Sea Eagles have minor injuries concerns over Steve Menzies and Jason King, though coach Des Hasler is confident both will be able to play.

Hasler said centre Steve Matai was nearing a return, having not played this year after shoulder surgery in the off-season, but he is unlikely to risk him this week.

"It's a temptation, but given that's it's only round five there's a very long way to go," Hasler said.

"We'd like to give him as much time as possible, so it's something we're certainly not going to rush."

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