Manly hooker Matt Ballin will miss the rest of the NRL season after scans confirmed an ACL injury suffered against Parramatta on Sunday.

The 31-year-old hobbled from the field in the first half and attempted to return in the second half only to have his left knee collapse on him without contact.

Back-up hooker Jayden Hodges is expected fill the dummy-half role for the side’s final two matches.

The Sea Eagles must win their remaining games against the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla – and hope Canterbury and St George-Illawarra falter above them – to sneak into the finals.

Ballin confirmed earlier this year that he was one of several Sea Eagles told to look elsewhere for next season.

However, having penned a two-year extension with the club in April, the veteran rake declared he would fight to keep his spot in the team.