Manu out of Roosters-Rabbitohs NRL blockbuster

Joseph Manu.
A hamstring strain will keep the Roosters' Joey Manu out of their final-round clash with Souths. -AAP Image

Joey Manu has been ruled out of the Sydney Roosters' do-or-die NRL clash with South Sydney, after the star centre succumbed to a hamstring injury.

Manu had been rated a 50-50 chance of playing, but Roosters coach Trent Robinson said he would now only be available for the first week of the finals, if they qualify.

Corey Allan will come into the team at centre, while captain James Tedesco is a confirmed starter at fullback after recovering from a concussion.