St George Illawarra have been left reeling by a season-ending ACL injury to young halfback Drew Hutchison less than a week before the club breaks up for Christmas.
The Dragons had pinned their hopes of a revival in 2017 on the 21-year-old halfback who was tipped to fill the void left by Benji Marshall.
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Those plans are now in disarray following the injury suffered at training on Thursday morning.
Club head of athletic performance Nathan Pickworth confirmed the crushing blow on Thursday afternoon.
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"Unfortunately, Drew has ruptured his ACL during training on Thursday that will see him require surgery," he said.
"There are a lot of upset faces among the playing group and football staff as a result and we are all shattered for him.
"Drew had undertaken a simple ball-work drill and there was a collision among some of the players involved and unfortunately his foot got caught in the ground.
"With the forces that were applied to his body at the time, Drew's knee got put into a vulnerable position which resulted in the ACL rupture.
"He has since undergone scans which have confirmed the injury and we have already spoken to a number of surgeons.
"We are presently gathering information over what is the best course of action for Drew in the short-term being mindful that he is a young athlete and therefore making sure the best decision is also made about his long-term career and health," Pickworth said.
"Drew will undergo surgery prior to the holiday period and will be provided all the help and and support needed as he overcomes this setback."
The injury leaves seasoned campaigner Josh McCrone and yet-to-debut Illawarra Cutters half Shaun Nona to vie for the right to partner Gareth Widdop in the halves next season while Kurt Mann's utility value could see him come into calculations.
Coach Paul McGregor was already banking on an untested spine that will likely include new signing Cameron McInnes in the hooking role following the departure of Mitch Rein.
Hutchison's injury will force the coach to reach even deeper into a rapidly draining pool to try and revitalise what was the second worst attack in the NRL in 2016.