Nathan Cleary is expected to miss Wednesday night's Dally M Medal ceremony at Barangaroo, despite being the strong favourite to win the award for the first time.
The Penrith halfback led the voting when ballots went behind closed doors after round 12.
He was also named the NRL's best player of 2026 by his peers, winning a second Rugby League Players' Association Players' Champion award.
Cleary beat Erin Clark, Herbie Farnworth, Haumole Olakau'atu and James Tedesco for the honour.
He is now one of three multiple winners, alongside Tedesco and Johnathan Thurston.
Cleary suffered a compound ankle fracture and dislocation during Penrith's 22-14 preliminary final loss to Newcastle on Sunday, and underwent emergency surgery.
He watched the match's conclusion from an ambulance.
Penrith had also revealed that Cleary broke a bone in his right foot during the week-one finals win over the Sydney Roosters; he requires another operation.
Cleary shared an Instagram update on Monday.
"Yesterday sucked but it's all part of the journey & it's made me even more grateful for the people I have around me. I'll be back."
Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland was referred directly to the judiciary over the hip-drop tackle, which is expected to rule him out of the grand final.
Penrith also face other injury concerns: Dylan Edwards has a suspected PCL rupture, Blaize Talagi ruptured his Achilles, and Isaah Yeo still needs surgery on a ruptured pectoral muscle.
Edwards and Reece Walsh are in doubt for Australia's October 15 World Cup opener against New Zealand, while Yeo has said he may withdraw from the tournament.