New Zealand forward Sika Manu's rugby league World Cup is not over after he was cleared Thursday to play again in two weeks time with his fractured eye socket.

Less than 24 hours after being ruled out of the tournament the Kiwis sent Manu to see an eye specialist on the Gold Coast who told the young second rower he could be available for the semi-finals.

"Scans we did on Tuesday revealed a slight fracture of Sika's right eye socket," said New Zealand team doctor Simon Mayhew.

"The decision was made then that he wouldn't be able to play again during the tournament.

"But, as a further precaution, Sika was seen by an eye specialist today.

"He said while there was a fracture it was a very small one and his assessment was that Sika would be fine to play again in two weeks."

Manu will now only miss Saturday's clash with Papua New Guinea and next week's battle with England in Newcastle.

Should the Kiwis reach the semi-finals on November 15 Manu would be in contention for selection.

Coach Stephen Kearney was delighted for Manu and the whole team.

"It's a real boost for him and for us knowing he can play again so soon after being told his tournament was over," he said.

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