Elliott Whitehead has suffered a shocking injury in training that has led to him needing plastic surgery.
Whitehead, who is the Canberra Raiders captain, has had to undergo emergency surgery following a sickening head clash at training.
Incredibly, plastic surgery has also been necessary on his mouth after colliding heavily with rookie prop Ata Moriata, during a routine training session on Wednesday.
Because the impact was so great, Whitehead also had to have his teeth realigned.
Of course, it means that the former Bradford Bulls and Catalans Dragons star will not be available for the Raiders’ clash against Penrith Panthers this weekend.
Whitehead came through the ranks at Bradford, debuting in 2009 and making 139 appearances in four and a half seasons until a move to the Catalans Dragons came about midway through 2013.
32 tries in 58 appearances later and Whitehead earned himself a big-money move to the Canberra Raiders in the NRL where he has excelled ever since.
In fact, the second-rower has become one of the most revered forwards in the game Down Under, with his tenacious and tough style going down superbly well with the Australians.
And, with over 150 NRL games under his belt, Whitehead is now a veteran of the game and signed a new deal with the Raiders in July last year.
The Bradfordian has also made 20 appearances for England as well as three for Great Britain.
Everyone at Serious About Rugby League hopes Whitehead recovers quickly.
