Centre Dylan Walker has been included in Manly’s Auckland Nines squad as cover for the injured Matthew Wright.

Walker has recovered from off-season surgery to the shoulder he dislocated in the Sea Eagles’ round 23 NRL loss to Canterbury last August.

He joins star forward Martin Taupau in an inexperienced 18-man squad for the February 4-5 tournament, with the pair the biggest names alongside new recruits Akuila Uate and Curtis Sironen.

Outside back Wright broke his hand at training last week and will be out of action for a month.

Walker played 18 games last season, missing three weeks due to an unusual hand injury sustained while attempting to get into his apartment.

Sea Eagles stars Daly Cherry-Evans, Nate Myles and Tom and Jake Trobojevic will miss the event.