Nathan Cleary won his first Dally M medal on Wednesday, beating Braydon Trindall and completing his collection of major rugby league awards.
The Penrith halfback missed the ceremony after emergency ankle surgery and left hospital that day in a wheelchair.
AAP reported that his surgeon was pleased with the operation so far, with a possible return for round one in sight.
Cleary also needs surgery on a broken right foot he played with in Sunday's preliminary-final loss to Newcastle; that injury is expected to heal quickly.
After suffering a compound fracture and ankle dislocation, Cleary said, "In terms of being able to win the Dally M award, I'm super grateful for that as well."
Fullback Dylan Edwards said, "I was just trying to keep him calm as I could."
Edwards avoided knee surgery after a PCL injury in the loss and remains hopeful of representing Australia at the World Cup.
"I'm not sure, I have to talk to Kevvie (coach Kevin Walters)," Edwards said at the awards.