Wests Tigers star James Tedesco is set to have surgery after a broken jaw all but ended his NRL season.
Tedesco has been discharged from hospital overnight after scans confirmed the injury from a high tackle by Gold Coast forward Ryan James on Saturday.
Tigers captain Aaron Woods says the NSW State of Origin fullback will undergo surgery on Wednesday.
"He didn't look too good on the field at the time," he told Triple M.
"He's got it broken in two spots and he's got to have an operation on Wednesday to reveal the full extent of the injury. At the moment, he's looking at six to eight weeks."
Tedesco's injury compounds the Tigers' last-gasp loss to the Titans in Campbelltown, which leaves the merger club facing a tough battle to make the finals.
The Tigers are in 10th spot on 24 points, two points behind eighth-placed Penrith, who are expected to win against Newcastle on Sunday.
Halfback Luke Brooks is expected to be back from a knee injury for the side's clash with the Panthers on Saturday, with Jordan Rankin firming to deputise at fullback.
Rankin has spent time spotting Dene Halatau at hooker in recent weeks, and his possible move to No.1 could open the door for veteran Robbie Farah to return to the Tigers' line-up.
Josh Addo-Carr is a strong candidate to be called up onto the wing.
