NZ Warriors will be without captain Tohu Harris for their final regular season clash against the Dolphins at Brisbane on Saturday.
Newshub understands Harris sustained a back issue in a tackle during Friday's win over St George Dragons, which has gradually worsened over the past two days.
Sources indicate the injury isn't considered long term, with the club expecting he should recover in time for their opening match of the NRL playoffs in two weeks.
The second-rower has been one of the Warrior's outstanding players through their resurgent 2023 campaign, posting consistently gaudy numbers on both sides of the ball on a weekly basis.
Losing such a talisman for their long-awaited return to the finals would be a brutal blow to the Warriors' chances, and all fingers at Mt Smart and across the country's fervent fanbase will undoubtedly be crossed he's able to make a speedy comeback.
The issue compounds the 31-year-old's injury concerns. He's nursed a troublesome knee throughout the season, which sidelined him for a trio of games earlier in the year.
Pending other results, the Warriors are a lock to finish in either third or fourth place, meaning a date against either defending champions Penrith Panthers or minor premiership favourites Brisbane Broncos.
Last week, coach Andrew Webster insisted he'd given no thought to resting players for this weekend's match in Brisbane.
Harris' situation adds to the Warriors injury concerns, with half Luke Metcalf awaiting further tests on the hamstring problem that forced his early departure against the Dragons.
In more encouraging news, Te Maire Martin got through 51 minutes of action for the Warriors' NSW Cup team in his return from a broken leg.
The incumbent No.6 prior to his injury, Martin would be a readymade replacement for Metcalf, should the Australian be ruled out of commission.
Utility Jazz Tevaga is also making rapid progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered during training in the lead-up to the win over Manly Sea Eagles a fortnight ago.
Webster is confident Tevaga will be available to take the field against the Dolphins, with a squad to be confirmed on Tuesday afternoon.
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