Newcastle Knights star player Kalyn Ponga has suffered a calf-related injury at training.
No time frame has yet been placed on the injury.
The 24-year-old has commenced treatment and the injury will continue to be monitored.
It may add to the regret they perhaps feel about letting two of their spine players head to Hull FC in fullback Tex Hoy and halfback Jake Clifford.
Ponga has been a star fullback in recent times meaning the departure of Hoy here could be crucial but so could that of Clifford with Ponga set to move to six in 2023 to play alongside former Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors halfback Jackson Hastings.
Now there appears to be a gap that Clifford could have filled.
This move already left a hole at fullback which the Knights have been trying to fill with the signing of Lachlan Miller but till confirmed former Castleford Tigers man Bailey Hodgson will train there has he has a good chance of securing the position until a new face is brought in.
Even then, the injury to Ponga and the strain it places on the spine will be further encouragement for Hodgson.
Warrington Wolves
Sam Burgess makes decision on future following South Sydney links
Huddersfield Giants
Jake Connor takes swipe at Leeds Rhinos fans
