The Brisbane Broncos have announced that Patrick Carrigan's recovery timeline has been extended due to the need for surgery on his ankle injury.
During Sunday's match against the St George Illawarra Dragons, Carrigan was unable to finish the game due to the syndesmosis injury and was initially thought to have escaped surgical intervention.
The club had previously estimated a recovery of three to four weeks, allowing him the possibility of returning for a game before State of Origin 3.
However, the necessity for surgery has now lengthened his recovery to five or six weeks, diminishing his chance of participating in Queensland's decider and presenting a significant challenge for Brisbane.
In their current streak, the Michael Maguire-coached defending champions have experienced four consecutive losses and made history as the first team to lose competition points to the Dragons at home this past Sunday.
Earlier this week, the club also revealed that outside back Gehamat Shibasaki is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks.
This development implies that both Carrigan and Shibasaki will miss key matches against the Gold Coast Titans, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sydney Roosters, and Cronulla Sharks, with two byes factored in, aiming for a potential return in Round 20 against the Penrith Panthers.
Maguire, confronting these roster changes for the upcoming weekend, has also moved five-eighth Ezra Mam to the bench in an effort to revive the team's struggling season.