Bell ruled out of semi-final

Manly centre Steve Bell has been ruled out of tomorrow night's sudden death NRL semi-final against St George Illawarra with a foot injury.

The Queensland State of Origin has a second metatarsal fracture of the left foot and has struggled with the injury for the past two matches. Coach Des Hasler says Bell offered to play with the injury, but club doctor Paul Bloomfield doubted the centre could play a full game and the Sea Eagles were not prepared to take the risk.

Hasler has also suggested Bell will only be fit to return for Manly if the club makes the grand final. Chris Hicks will now play centre with either Mitch Creary or Paul Stephenson coming into the side on the wing.