Penrith officials remain optimistic Nathan Cleary will be fit for round one next season, despite another operation ahead.
The halfback is set to undergo a third procedure after two surgeries for injuries sustained during the finals.
Hours after a hip-drop tackle in the preliminary final, Cleary had emergency surgery for a broken fibula and dislocated tibia.
One of the bones had pierced his skin, making immediate surgery necessary.
A couple of weeks later, surgeons repaired the fifth metatarsal in his right foot, injured earlier in the qualifying final against the Roosters.
Separately, Cleary's management has told the Papua New Guinea Chiefs he will stay at Penrith.
He is working towards a four-year extension, with the final two years in his favour.