NZ Warriors half Luke Metcalf is facing an extended period on the sideline but is expected to make a return late in the season.
Metcalf had to be helped off the field just nine minutes into the Warriors' clash with Newcastle Knights on Sunday, after being tackled by Knights second-rower Tyson Frizzell.
On Tuesday, the club confirmed the 25-year-old had undergone surgery for a broken tibia to begin a lengthy period of recovery.
Metcalf shared an image from his hospital bed following his operation accompanied by the caption: "Surgery done. BRB [Be Right Back]."
The injury is another cruel blow for the Australian, who missed the Warrior's 2023 run to the finals due to a torn hamstring suffered in round 26.
Nevertheless, his prognosis is less severe than initially feared, with the door not yet shut on his season.
Fortunately for the Warriors, the halves are an area of particular depth, as proven by Chanel Harris-Tavita's impressive effort as a substitute off the bench in the 20-12 win at Mt Smart, scoring a try just moments after taking the field.
Another alternative for coach Andrew Webster is Te Maire Martin, who has been in strong form for the Warriors' reserve grade side. At a pinch, he could even call upon utility Dylan Walker, who filled in for a handful of games at No. 6 last season.
Joining the club from Cronulla Sharks, Metcalf played 12 games for the Warriors last year, all at five-eighth, scoring six tries and creating three more.
The Coffs Harbour product had been impressive through the early stages of 2024, continuing his momentum from a stand-out pre-season.
Last month, he inked a new two-year deal with the Warriors that will keep him in Auckland until the end of 2026.
The Warriors will travel across the Tasman to face South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday, with a third straight win in the offing.
