Gerard Beale is set for a long rugby league lay-off, undergoing surgery on Sunday morning for a broken ankle sustained in his Kiwis' 38-8 Rugby League World Cup win over Toa Samoa.
In one of the more bizarre injuries to befall an athlete, Beale simply fell over in Auckland - away from any contact - with a serious leg injury.
He was duly stretchered off the field.
Head coach David Kidwell clarified the injury on Sunday, saying the new Warriors recruit had injured his leg while making an earlier try-line tackle.
Yet he managed to continue for a few more tackles before collapsing.
The Australia-born utility back will miss the remainder of the Kiwis' World Cup tilt, as well as a solid chunk of his maiden Warriors NRL campaign.
Kidwell said he'd look to make a like-for-like replacement as soon as possible, but needed to receive more information on Rugby League World Cup protocols.
He had unnamed players on standby.
"We had that plan in place, just to make sure you're keeping in shape for a situation like this - we've got a plan," Kidwell said.
"We have to follow that process first on what the rules 100 per cent are for the World Cup, but likely to be another centre, if we can."
Irrespective of any squad additions, Kidwell backed centres Dean Whare and Peta Hiku to step into Beale's breach alongside Brad Takairangi.
The Penrith-based Whare would have likely played in the centres against Toa Samoa, only to tweak his ankle in training and miss out.
He'll likely be fine for next weekend's clash against Scotland in Christchurch, as will injured back-rower Kenny Bromwich.
Kidwell said his side had no other post-match injury concerns.
"Gerard, hopefully we'll get to see him on the way through to the airport (today) - we send our best wishes to him," Kidwell said.
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