Canberra's form player Simi Sasagi will miss between four and six weeks with the shoulder injury he suffered against Penrith.
Sasagi's looming absence is a blow for a Raiders side that appears finally to be finding its feet following a slow start to the 2026 NRL season.
The 25-year-old Kiwi has been among the league's most improved players this season, shining at both centre and second row for last year's minor premiers.
Sasagi has scored four tries in nine games to vindicate the club's decision to tie him to a new two-year deal last year.
The former Newcastle Knight has produced six try assists for the campaign, more than full-time playmakers Lachlan Galvin, Mitch Moses and Adam Reynolds.
But Sasagi left the round-10 clash with Penrith just before halftime, watching on as the ladder leaders claimed a 30-18 win in Canberra.
Sasagi is set to miss the Raiders' three consecutive home games after their round-11 bye, as well as possibly the subsequent clashes with Parramatta and Melbourne.
The injury is likely to prove a headache for the Raiders, who are also without second-row options Zac Hosking (concussion), Noah Martin (ankle) and Joe Roddy (hand).
Canberra may also be without starting second-rower Hudson Young when they face the Dolphins after the bye, with the 27-year-old considered a chance for State of Origin selection.
