Canterbury skipper Michael Ennis is confident he’ll be fit for his side’s NRL opener against Penrith on March 3.
The NSW hooker underwent routine knee surgery during the off-season in a bid to be 100 per cent for the new campaign.
It forced him to knock back an invitation from Wayne Bennett to replace the injured Cameron Smith in the NRL All Stars side for last week’s match on the Gold Coast.
He’ll also miss Sunday’s trial match against Sydney Roosters at Belmore as a precaution.
However, the 27-year-old has no doubts he’ll be available to new coach Des Hasler for the big kick-off at CUA Stadium.
“It’s been a slow and steady road over the off-season,” Ennis said.
“I’ve started to build up the training now and looking forward to round one.
“I’ll probably get the last two weeks of pre-season in doing full contact before the season starts.
“I’ll definitely be there for round one.”
The former Brisbane and St George Illawarra rake has been impressed by Hasler and enjoying the Manly mentor’s no-nonsense approach in getting the side ready for a new season.
“We’re very fortunate now to have Des at the club and the staff he’s surrounded himself with are all quality people,” he said.
“There’s many areas that Des has known that works for him, he’s implemented a lot of changes in the training methods and things like that.
“You can’t fault his work ethic, he’s extremely professional and works really hard around the club. We’re in good hands.”