INJURED Melbourne Storm forward Sika Manu has turned to shockwave therapy on his leg after ongoing problems thwarted his attempt at an early comeback.

© Melbourne Storm

Manu will make his comeback later than expected due to complications

Kiwi international Manu broke two bones in his left leg in round 21 last year and needed surgery to insert a steel rod.

His recovery looked on track prior to Christmas but the rod began to interfere with the patella tendon in his knee giving him serious pain.

He hasn't run since January and the round 1 return he hoped for has now been pushed back a long way.

"I had the screw removed because my ankle was swelling up but then my knee started getting irritated and I haven't run since January," Manu said at yesterday's season launch.

"So I'll do the shockwaves and see how it goes.

"I'm scared it might be an issue for my whole life, or at least my whole footy career.

"But if it works, it will be good news. If not, we'll try and find something else."

Manu could have the rod removed but that would make his leg, which is fully healed, more susceptible to another break.

"There is a chance of it snapping again, but it could stay strong," he said.

"I'd rather take the rod out and run freely than always have my knee irritated."

But under the advice of Storm physio Kieren Morgan he has chosen the shockwave therapy first because removing the rod would require a lot longer off the field.