Jeremiah Nanai, the second-rower for the North Queensland Cowboys, faces another spell on the sidelines as medical scans have confirmed a re-injury to his shoulder, sidelining him for a minimum of four weeks.
During Friday's match, Nanai exited the field early in the second half after sustaining the injury while attempting a tackle, raising alarms about his injury history.
That game was only his second for the season, having recently made a comeback following a shoulder reconstruction incurred while playing for Samoa in the previous year's Pacific Championships.
This match also marked his first start of the 2026 season.
In their announcement, the Cowboys acknowledged the injury setback but provided some good news regarding its severity.
"Scans have confirmed a re-injury to the shoulder of North Queensland Toyota Cowboys second-rower Jeremiah Nanai," the Cowboys detailed in a media release.
"The damage is not as severe as first feared, and Nanai will not need immediate surgery. The 23-year-old is expected to be sidelined for at least a month."
This timing is particularly disappointing for Nanai, as his chances of participating in Game 1 of this year's State of Origin series have significantly diminished.
Since making his Queensland debut in 2022, Nanai has played 11 matches for the Maroons, missing only one during that time.