Sydney Roosters halfback Luke Keary is no certainty to start the NRL season due to a foot stress fracture.
Coach Trent Robinson conceded the three-time premiership winner, who missed the majority of last season after suffering an ACL injury, is touch-and-go to face Newcastle on March 12.
"I think he had a foot injury at Souths as well, so he's just had a bit of a stress fracture," Robinson said on Fox League before the understrength Roosters lost their opening trial 32-18 to Canberra.
"He doesn't move slowly, Kez. He isn't big but he moves sharply when he comes back, so that turned into a bit of a stress fracture.
"He is back training now and he will be close for round one.
"I'm not going to say he's going to be there but he will be close."
Keary had a bone spur removed from his ankle in October but was expected to be fit by the end of January.
Robinson indicated most of his stars will play in next Friday's trial against Wests Tigers at Gosford except for Keary and captain James Tedesco, who is coming off stem cell surgery on his knee.
The mentor insisted Tedesco "will be fine" to take his place at fullback come round one.
If Keary isn't fit by season kick-off, Robinson could opt for 2021 NRL Rookie of the Year Sam Walker in the halves with Drew Hutchison or Lachlan Lam.
