Canterbury Bulldogs director of football Phil Gould has confirmed that Leo Thompson will be sidelined for more than two months with a calf injury.
Thompson withdrew late from the All-Star match amid what was initially described as 'calf tightness'.
Upon returning to Belmore medical scans have revealed a Grade 3 calf tear.
"Not good news for Leo Thompson. MRK reveals Grade 3 calf tear. 10 weeks return to play at this stage," Gould wrote.
"It is what it is. We move on. Tough game rugby league."
Thompson had joined the Bulldogs ahead of 2026 with expectations he would bolster and lead the forward pack.
He had been lined up to start in Las Vegas beside Max King but now faces absence through until about the end of April.
The club's schedule includes two weeks off after the Las Vegas fixture, a travel week and a Round 2 bye, which should help manage his recovery window.
Despite that break he is likely to miss matches from Round 3 through Round 8 including trips to Canberra and Brisbane and home games against Newcastle and Penrith.
If Thompson remains unavailable the Bulldogs are expected to consider Josh Curran or Samuel Hughes to partner Max King in the front row.