The New Zealand Warriors have suffered a major setback ahead of the NRL season after Te Maire Martin broke his leg in the All Stars match.
Martin's injury has left the club dangerously light in the halves.
Chanel Harris-Tevita is now the immediate hope to fill the position, though he is himself managing a calf problem as he attempts to be available for Round 1.
First-choice halfback Luke Metcalf remains about two months from returning from an ACL reconstruction.
That timeline means Harris-Tevita would likely partner Tanah Boyd to open the Warriors' 2026 campaign if he is fit.
If he is not ready, the club could promote rookie Jett Cleary to steer the side in the season opener against the Roosters at Go Media Stadium.
Cleary, the younger brother of maestro halfback Nathan, ended the previous year in the NSW Cup with 13 appearances and 22 goals.
He also starred in the 68-6 demolition of South Sydney's NSW Cup team, finishing that match with two tries, two try assists, three line breaks and 166 metres run.
The Warriors have endured a troubled off-season, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Harris-Tevita, Marata Nuikore and Martin all picking up injuries over the summer.
Add Mitch Barnett and Metcalf's ongoing recoveries and Andrew Webster faces the real prospect of fielding an inexperienced side in Round 1.
Selection decisions will hinge on the recovery progress of a number of key players in the coming weeks.