Sydney Roosters back-rower Boyd Cordner will reportedly miss the first three months of the NRL season because of a pectoral injury.
The Seven Network reported a "shattered" Cordner had confirmed he faced a lengthy stint on the sidelines just 24 hours after re-signing with the Roosters for another two years.
It is not known how Cordner suffered the injury but it is believed to have happened at training. The Roosters are yet to confirm the setback.
Losing the NSW State of Origin back-rower - considered a future Roosters captain - would be another body blow for the NRL club, still reeling from the fallout over Mitchell Pearce's Australia Day bender video.
Playmaker Pearce is at an overseas rehabilitation clinic after being suspended indefinitely.
The Roosters were also rocked by strike centre Michael Jennings' off-season departure to Parramatta.
Utility Mitchell Aubusson is tipped to step up into the starting back-row for Cordner.
Only a day earlier, Cordner had been buzzing over his contract extension.
"It's a weight off the shoulders," he told Roosters TV on Thursday.
"I'm looking to start off the year really strong, playing some consistent footy and see where that takes us.
"I was actually looking forward to a run at the (NRL Auckland) Nines but it wasn't to be so I will be sitting back and cheering on the Roosters boys."
