The Penrith Panthers faced a devastating injury setback during their match against the New Zealand Warriors on Friday night.
Pannau Panthers and Kangaroos captain, Isaah Yeo, left the field before halftime, raising concerns about a potential pectoral muscle injury.
Just five minutes shy of halftime, Yeo emerged from a tackle, and replays quickly indicated a possible pectoral muscle issue.
Following the incident, he was promptly escorted to the dressing rooms for further examination.
If it turns out to be a serious pectoral muscle injury, Yeo's season could be cut short, severely impacting his chances to represent the Kangaroos at the World Cup to be held in Australia, where standard recovery times can extend to three months.
The Panthers will be anxious that Yeo's injury is not as serious as feared, hoping for a minor setback or an alternative issue.
In recent years, pectoral muscle injuries have surged within the NRL, affecting nearly every club at some point.
Should Yeo be sidelined for an extended period, Lindsay Smith is expected to step in at lock, with Liam Henry moving up to the starting lineup at prop-a strategy employed by coach Ivan Cleary during State of Origin when Yeo was on duty for the NSW Blues.
As the Panthers traveled to Auckland during Indigenous Round, they found themselves ambushed in the first half, trailing 18-nil just before the halftime break.
MORE TO COME.