Penrith centre Dean Whare is expected to be ruled out for the rest of the NRL season with a knee injury.
Whare, after battling calf injuries already this season, suffered a suspected torn anterior cruciate ligament on Wednesday at training.
The injury is a cruel blow to the Panthers, who have also lost promising five-eighth Te Marie Martin for the season with a fractured shoulder.
It is not known who will replace Whare for Saturday's clash with Canberra, given his original stop-gap Waqa Blake injured his hip against Cronulla last weekend and will miss one week.
Regular back-rower Isaah Yeo might be forced to shift to the centres to cover the pair, just as he did for the second half of last season.
The New Zealand representative will have scans on Thursday, however the club's medical staff are certain they will confirm the worst.
Share
