NZ Kiwis star Dylan Brown faces an anxious visit to the specialist, after leaving the field with a worrying knee injury during the bottom-of-the-table NRL clash between his Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers.
Brown, 24, stayed on the ground in the 51st minute, after wrenching his left knee in a tackle, and while he tried to play on under heavy strapping, he eventually succumbed and left the game.
His absence had little affect on the final result, as his team overwhelmed the hapless Tigers 60-26, consigning Benji Marshall's outfit to their third straight wooden spoon at the foot of the competition ladder.
The injury may have a much bigger impact on the hopes of the NZ national team, as they prepare to defend their Pacific Championship crown under new coach Stacey Jones.
Brown's halves partnership with Melbourne Storm's Jahrome Hughes was key to the Kiwis' record 30-0 win over world champions Australia in last year's inaugural final. Their title defence begins on October 27, when they face the Kangaroos again at Christchurch.
Eels interim coach Trent Barrett suggests the initial diagnosis was merely a hyperextension, but hints at a more dire outcome of scans this weekend.
"They think it might be an ACL [anterior cruciate ligament], but we are hoping not," offered Eels interim coach Trent Barrett. "He is a tough kid and he doesn't come off.
"We are a bit concerned, so fingers crossed for Dylan, because he has been terrific for us. He is a great young player and a great bloke."
The injury scare presents an immediate problem for Jones — himself, a legendary half for New Zealand — as he prepares to step into the shoes of triumphant New South Wales State of Origin coach Michael Maguire.
Last year, Maguire also had veteran Kieran Foran and utility Fa'amanu Brown on hand, while Kodi Nikorima or Te Maire Martin may also earn recalls to the national squad. Perhaps retiring NZ Warriors star and Kiwis pointscoring recordholder Shaun Johnson can be tempted into one last campaign for his country.
SHARE ME