Canberra Raiders captain Jarrod Croker has suffered a cruel injury blow just three weeks before the NRL season after he was twisted awkwardly in a tackle on Friday night.
World All Stars medical staff told Channel Nine commentators Croker had a suspected medial ligament injury after being tackled by three players and having his leg twisted underneath him.
It was a sour note to the All Stars match in Newcastle, with the Indigenous team cruising to a 34-8 win in steamy conditions.
Croker missed the Australian Kangaroos' end of year Four Nations tour to the United Kingdom after suffering a similar injury in the Raiders' preliminary final last year.
Jarrod Croker replay. Still thinking patella, hopefully just sublux (popped out and back in). Damage would occur medially #NRLAllStars pic.twitter.com/Dbu5oPeg07
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 10, 2017
It is not known how long he will be out for and he will have scans in the coming days, but something in his knee appeared to pop under pressure.
The recovery time for a medial ligament injury can range anywhere between four and 12 weeks, and it is hoped it is not as serious as a patellar tendon or anterior cruicate ligament problem.
It's likely Croker will miss at least the opening of the NRL season, with the Raiders set to begin their campaign against the North Queensland Cowboys on March 4.
If he is unable to play, coach Ricky Stuart will have to appoint an interim leader to take charge of the Green Machine for the opening rounds.
The Raiders will play a trial match against the Newcastle Knights next weekend but it's almost certain Croker will be unable to play.
Jarrod Croker has left the All Stars match with what appears to be a knee injury.
— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) February 10, 2017
We will post full updates as soon as we have them.
He cut a lone figure in the changerooms as the Indigenous side secured victory, icing his left knee and hoping for the best after pre-season heartbreak.
Croker has established himself as a respected leader of the Raiders, guiding the club to its most successful campaign in 20 years last season.
The Raiders had four players in the All Stars game - Croker, Jordan Turner, Aidan Sezer and Jack Wighton. Croker was the only want to limp away from the contest.
Me as a Raiders fan and also those who have already drafted Jarrod Croker (most likely first round!) #NRLAllStars pic.twitter.com/Rrr18IzPoI
— NRLCEO Fantasy Footy (@Fantasy_NRLCEO) February 10, 2017
I'll donate my knee to Jarrod Croker
— Random Footy Facts (@footyfacts37) February 10, 2017
Thoughts and prayers @Jarrodcroker hope you get good news mate. @RaidersCanberra #goodluck.
— Jamie Soward (@sowwowofficial6) February 10, 2017
JARROD CROKER:
— Green Army (@RaidersArmy1) February 10, 2017
Nine reporting injury is medial rather than ACL. Let's hope that's the case!!
Hopefully that looked worse than it is. Fingers crossed @Jarrodcroker pulls up okay 🤞🏽 #NRLAllStars #NRL
— Caden Helmers (@cadenhelmers) February 10, 2017