The Sydney Roosters' NRL top-four charge has been dealt another significant blow, with co-captain Jake Friend ruled out for up to a month.
Friend broke his hand at a Roosters training camp on Tuesday, and will have surgery on Wednesday in a bid to return to action in four weeks.
His injury comes at a crucial time for the Roosters, given fullback Michael Gordon was ruled out for the rest of the regular season on Tuesday with a pectoral injury.
The tri-colours also have a difficult month ahead, with clashes against first-placed Melbourne, fourth-ranked Manly and North Queensland in the coming weeks.
The Roosters sit third on 26 points, but only two points clear of the Cowboys in sixth.
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They also have concerns regarding their front-line depth at hooker since the release of Paul Carter, who deputised for Friend earlier this year.
Connor Watson will be the likely front-runner to take the position after their found-19 bye, given he has filled in when Friend has gone off the field with concussion this year.
Watson also would have been considered as a replacement for Gordon at the back, along with centre Latrell Mitchell.
Utility Mitchell Aubusson played two games out of dummy-half at the end of 2014 when Friend was injured, while the club blooded youngster Grant Garvey there at the end of last year.
