St George-Illawarra star Josh Dugan has been ruled out for at least a week after suffering a hamstring injury in their 28-6 NRL win over the Wests Tigers on Sunday.
Dugan winced immediately at the end of a pursuit of a grubber kick midway through the second half at ANZ Stadium and immediately left the field.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor conceded being without the star fullback for next week's clash against Manly, and possibly longer.
"No good, he's hurt his hammy," McGregor said post-game.
"I don't know how bad it is but he felt it straight away, so we just have to gauge that tomorrow through a scan.
"But he won't be right next week."
The NSW State of Origin representative was an immense figure in the Dragons' third straight win, breaking a team-high five tackles.
He also totalled 105 metres from 11 carries, continuing his strong start to the season that has coincided with his team's rise to second spot on the ladder.
The versatile Kurt Mann, who deputised for the injured Euan Aitken at right centre, is likely to retain his place against the Sea Eagles after impressing McGregor.
"Losing quality players hurts but we've seen Kurt come in today and I thought he was outstanding in his game at right centre," McGregor said.
"He hasn't played there before, he's played a bit of left centre and left wing last year but today he come in and he's waited for that opportunity today.
"We'll make a replacement there. Obviously Josh Dugan's Josh Dugan, there's not many of him around. So he'll be missed."
Skipper Gareth Widdop admitted the loss of Dugan would hurt.
"He's been great for us this year to start the year," Widdop said.
"To lose someone like that is disappointing but that's why we've got a squad.
"Whoever will come in will have a role to do and they'll do it to the best of their ability."
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