Connor Watson's NRL season is already in the balance with the Sydney Roosters utility to see a knee surgeon after he suffered a suspected patella tendon injury.
Watson was injured on Friday morning at Roosters training, and was spotted clutching at his knee.
He will see a specialist next week over the injury, but in the worst case a rupture would require surgery and leave him sidelined for between six and nine months.
That would rule him out for at least the first half of the season and potentially longer.
If Watson is to avoid surgery, he could still be racing the clock to feature in the Roosters' opener against the Dolphins on March 5.
"Sydney Roosters player Connor Watson sustained a suspected patella tendon injury at training. He will meet with a surgeon early next week," the club said in a statement
Watson was expected to form a key part of the Roosters' middle rotation this season, with Brandon Smith arriving as a starting hooker and Victor Radley to start at lock.
