Corban Baxter's NRLW season is over before round one, with scans confirming the star Sydney Roosters fullback has suffered a ruptured ACL.
Baxter was told the devastating news on Monday evening, after being injured while making a tackle in the Roosters' pre-season match against Cronulla.
The injury means the 30-year-old will not play any part in the Roosters' NRLW campaign, which begins against Newcastle next Friday night.
Baxter had only just played her first State of Origin series in four years for the Blues, and turned out for the Roosters last season just six months after giving birth.
Her injury came as part of a double blow for the Roosters, with outside back Brydie Parker also suffering a broken forearm in the match against the Sharks.
It is expected she will miss at least six weeks with the injury, ruling her out of at least the first five rounds of the NRLW season.
The Roosters had already lost hooker Shawden Burton for the season. She suffered a hamstring injury in the pre-season after an ACL tear last year.
"We are all really feeling for Corban," Roosters coach John Strange said.
"She is our vice-captain and such a valuable asset to our playing group, so to have her miss the entire 2024 season is a really big loss.
"It's also disappointing news for 'Shawdy' (Burton).
"She has worked so hard to recover from the ACL injury that sidelined her midway through last year, so this new injury is really unlucky.
"We will continue to do everything possible to ensure Corban, Shawden and Brydie are fully supported during their respective recoveries, and can return to playing as soon as possible."
