An NRL return won't be happening soon for Bryce Cartwright.
Just when it seemed his first year at the Gold Coast Titans couldn't get worse, Cartwright has broken his hand in a training accident.
Scans have confirmed Cartwright suffered a fracture and the former Penrith star is expected to miss three to four weeks.
It's another blow for Cartwright, who has been banished to reserve grade by the Titans, missing their past two games after his defensive frailties were exposed.
Cartwright's future at the Titans appears up in the air after reports his management have gauged interest from other clubs.
Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan said this week Cartwright was "welcome to explore his options elsewhere".
Titans hooker Nathan Peats hoped Cartwright saw out his four-year deal reportedly worth up to $3 million.
"He has copped a lot of criticism this year and he has been a bit below par to his own standards I guess," Peats said.
"But I know how special a player he can be. And he is only young, people forget.
"It happens to the best of us. You just need to get your confidence back at reserve grade and fight through it."
Cartwright injured his hand working on his tackling technique with a teammate in the gym before the team's field session on Thursday.
The 23-year-old hasn't played for the Gold Coast since round 12 and was expected to run out for Queensland Cup side Tweed Heads again this weekend.
"We were wrestling on the mats and he must have got hit on the hand," Peats said of Cartwright's injury.
"That's disappointing for him. He's trying to work his way back into the squad but it might freshen him up for the back end of the year."
Meanwhile, Titans centre Dale Copley has re-signed for another two seasons.
The former Bronco and Sydney Rooster has played 30 games for the Titans since the start of 2017, scoring 10 tries.
