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.
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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.
The Raiders believe Croker will miss between 4-6 weeks and are confident he avoided ligament damage, with the injury suspected to be around his kneecap.
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.
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.
World All Stars coach and Raiders legend Mal Meninga said: "It's nothing structural so we're keeping our fingers crossed that it's something behind his knee cap.
"It might just be a bit of a contusion there. I'm kind of hoping it will be OK." Croker immediately looked in pain and pounded the turf in frustration believing he had suffered a serious set back.
"It's a bit of a mystery until we get it X-rayed. There's a bit of swelling there but we're thinking it's nothing major."
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.
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.
