North Queensland fear star recruit Lachlan Coote has suffered ACL damage at the NRL Nines in his first official outing for the club.
Coote limped off in the seventh minute of the Cowboys match against Manly on Saturday, early in the day, clutching his knee after being brought down after a long run.
The former Penrith fullback was taken to hospital with scans, with Cowboys officials fearing the worst - a season ending injury.
If confirmed, the injury would continue a luckless run for Coote who missed much of last season for the Panthers due to a pectoral muscle injury.
Coote was picked up this season by the Cowboys as a replacement for club legend Matt Bowen, who wasn't offered a new contract and was subsequently picked up by Wigan.
Sydney Roosters prop Isaac Liu was another tournament casualty.
Liu suffered a knee injury in the Roosters opening game loss to Parramatta and won't play again in the tournament which concludes on Sunday.
