Des Hasler insists Kieran Foran's body could hold up in the middle as he weighs up making him Manly's answer at No.9 for next season.
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Foran has agreed to terms for a one-year deal at Manly, with only the Sea Eagles' management needing to sign off on some small components of the contract.
That is expected to be finalised this week, completing a homecoming to the club Foran left at the end of 2015.
But it could come in a different position.
Young gun Manase Fainu won't be able to play until at least July after facing trial for an alleged stabbing, unless Manly can secure an exemption for an early return.
Danny Levi was last week told he would not be re-signed, leaving Manly without a recognised hooker for 2021 and with utility Lachlan Croker the most likely option.
And that's where Foran could come into play when he leaves Canterbury.
"We still have an issue around the stand-down policy with Manase Fainu," Hasler said ahead of Sunday's last-round clash with the Warriors.
"Kieran is just a footballer. One of the strong parts of his game is his versatility and his ability to adapt.
"It's a real focus in bringing him back to fill that role."
Foran debuted as one of the toughest halves in the competition in 2009, putting his body on the line in defence regularly in his 148 games at the club.
But it has since taken its toll, managing just 66 games in the five years since amidst hamstring, toe, shoulder and back issues before his latest pectoral rupture.
But Hasler said he had no concern over his fitness playing in the middle of the field and amongst the big men.
"If he's defending where he currently is at the moment they will run at you," Hasler said.
"He has held up OK, he has played 14 or 15 games this year.
"Injuries will always be something you roll the dice with, especially with the year we've had with injuries."
A move to hooker would also allow Josh Schuster, Dylan Walker or Cade Cust to continue in the No.6 jersey.
Hasler denied any suggestion Schuster will walk if Foran arrives, insistent the 30-year-old can help the man considered by many to be a Manly star of the future.
"He is developing nicely," Hasler said.
"And when you think of the players that are here, the mentorship it offers the squad is quite beneficial.
"He played really strongly against the Tigers. It's one we can certainly keep working on."
Australian Associated Press
