Roosters hooker Jake Friend has undergone successful surgery on the chest injury that has his finals campaign in doubt, and is expected to leave hospital in the next 48 hours.
Friend was admitted to hospital late on Saturday night after complaining of shortness of breath, dizziness and vomiting, and was diagnosed with a Haemothorax – a collection of blood in the pleural cavity, usually caused by a blunt trauma to the chest.
A statement from the Roosters said the 25-year-old hooker went under the knife late on Sunday afternoon, with the source of the bleeding located and Friend showing marked improvement in the 24 hours since.
Due to the nature of the injury, it remains unclear when Friend will return to the field, though it is understood he will be unavailable for the premiers' crucial clash with the Rabbitohs this Thursday, with the winner to claim the minor premiership should Manly falter against the Cowboys in Townsville.
Veteran back-up hooker Heath L'Estrange is expected to be named as replacement having recovered from a knee injury suffered against the Tigers a fortnight ago, while utility Mitch Aubusson is another option to fill the void at dummy-half.
