Queensland Reds recruit Caleb Timu's Super Rugby season is over, with the rugby league convert injuring his anterior cruciate ligament at training.
Timu, who was only signed by the Reds from NRL club Brisbane two weeks ago, suffered the injury during a non-contact session on Wednesday and will have surgery next week that will rule him out of the remainder of the 2016 campaign.
"It was just one of those freak rugby accidents," captain James Slipper said on Friday.
"I was right opposite him, actually. It was just a basic catch, he caught the ball, tried to step and take off on a run and it kind of gave way and collapsed underneath him.
"Most of the players knew right then and there it was a serious issue."
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Back-rower Timu, 22, made an impressive return to Brisbane club rugby last weekend and was set to be introduced to Queensland's Super Rugby side in coming weeks.
No.8 Jake Schatz also had knee surgery earlier this month and won't be back for several weeks, an injury that had opened the door for former Australian schoolboys star Timu to make an instant impact.
"He was really excited to get amongst the Reds' boys and contribute this season. We as players are just gutted for him," Slipper said.
The Reds host the Cheetahs at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night and are favourites to claim what would be just their second win of the year.
