LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Zac Hosking faces a tough new NRL challenge after suffering a further blow for the Raiders.
The Canberra Raiders back rower may be sidelined for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury that could require surgery.
Hosking, known for his powerful runs on the field, was forced to leave last week's game against the Titans clutching his shoulder.
Initial hopes were that he would only be out for a few weeks, but recent reports indicate that he could be looking at a 10-12 week absence due to ligament damage.
The extent of Hosking's time off will depend on how well his recovery and rehab progress in the coming weeks.
While there is a possibility of delaying surgery until the end of the season, the Raiders are preparing for the worst.
"It's a tough break for Zac," said Telegraph reporter Dave Riccio.
"It's a tough road ahead with surgery and a lengthy recovery process.
It's a significant setback, but hopefully he can bounce back stronger."
The Raiders will need to adjust their game plan without Hosking's presence on the field, as they navigate through this challenging period of the season.
It's a blow for the club, but in the world of rugby league, injuries are part and parcel of the game.
The team will need to rally together and find ways to fill the gap left by one of their key players.