Kai Pearce-Paul is expected to face a lengthy period on the sidelines due to a suspected pectoral muscle injury, as confirmed by Wests Tigers head coach Benji Marshall.
The winger has emerged as one of the Tigers' standout players this season after transferring from the Newcastle Knights during the off-season. He was forced to exit the field early in their recent victory over the Gold Coast Titans, which marked the last NRL match at Leichhardt until 2028.
Initial assessments by the Tigers medical team indicated a potential pectoral injury. Although Marshall couldn't provide specific details after the match, he described the situation as "devastating."
"Devastating, we don't know (exactly what the injury is). I think it's a pec injury, just the severity of it, I'm unsure," he remarked during the post-match briefing.
"Hopefully not too long, we'll get some scans, obviously."
While the team holds out hope for a swift recovery for the English second-rower, a pectoral injury that necessitates surgery typically requires about 12 weeks for healing.
This consequently puts his season at risk unless the Tigers qualify for the finals, with only 12 weeks left in the regular season.
Additionally, his match fitness will be a concern for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, where Pearce-Paul was poised to be a key selection for England in the tournament set to be hosted in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
In the short term, this injury is a significant setback for the Tigers, who are already coping without first-choice second-rower Samuela Fainu.