Castleford Tigers have announced that Blake Taaffe will miss the entire 2026 Super League season after rupturing an ACL.
The injury came during his Super League debut against the Wigan Warriors, his second appearance in Tigers colours following a Challenge Cup match.
Taaffe moved to England after making his NRL debut with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and a short stint at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
The club highlighted the leadership and toughness he brought to the squad upon his arrival.
He suffered a knee problem in the first half but bravely finished the game before scans exposed the full extent of the damage.
Medical staff have confirmed he will undergo surgery and embark on a lengthy rehabilitation program that rules him out for next season.
Support from teammates and fans has been immediate, with many expressing disappointment at the timing of the setback.
Castleford now face the task of filling the fullback position during the off-season while focusing on Taaffe's recovery.
Officials say the priority is a careful rehab plan to return him to peak condition for the start of pre-season.
"I'm absolutely devastated for Blake.
He has been a pivotal force behind the culture we are trying to build here at the club," Ryan Carr said.
"To know he finished the game with a torn ACL is a testament to how tough he is and how much care he has for his teammates and his club.
"His team first personality is what we admire about him, and he will be continue to be an integral part of the team off the field.
His teammates love playing with him; we're all shattered for him.
"All we can do is control what's next and make sure we get Blake back to his flying best for the start of next season"