MANLY's hamstring curse has struck for the second time this week, with talented utility Lachlan Croker breaking down at training.<\/p>\n
The injury comes as a major blow for the Sea Eagles, with Des Hasler planning to start the new season with Croker at hooker, with Manase Fainu still unavaialable due to a long-running court case.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Croker, who didn't miss a game last season, is expected to be out for at least the opening two to three rounds of the premiership.<\/p>\n
His injury comes just days after the game's most famous hamstring, that of star fullback Tom Trbojevic, broke down 'in the shower'.<\/p>\n
Hasler is now likely to start the season with Cade Cust, who like Croker is a natural halfback, in the hooking role.<\/p>\n
Cust has been named in the number nine jumper for this weekend's trial against the Wests Tigers.<\/p>\n
If he plays well in the role, he will begin the season in the key hooking spot.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"