Canberra Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad immediately fears the worst as his knee bends backwards.
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But the Canberra custodian responds the only way he knows how to - by soldiering on, simply because he never wants to be seen as a player that comes off for an injury that isn't truly severe.
Nicoll-Klokstad hopes he will be fit to play for the Raiders as they hunt top spot on the table against Manly Warringah at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart says the club has to be smart about their preparation heading to a heavy field but Nicoll-Klokstad will likely be named in the 21-man squad on Tuesday.
It comes after Nicoll-Klokstad sent shockwaves around the stadium when his knee buckled and bent the wrong way when Brisbane playmaker Anthony Milford collided with it shoulder-first last weekend.
"As soon as it happened I thought the worst," Nicoll-Klokstad said.
"As time went on, it seemed to get a bit better. I didn't want to come off and have it be alright and then I'd be ready for next week. I didn't want to be that sort of player. I just tried to tough it out.
"It was a little bit worried in the second half because it's a tough go getting up for NRL when you're healthy let alone with one leg. The boys were backing me and giving me a lot of confidence. They helped me out.
"I knew I wanted to stay out there and still do my job to the best of my abilities. As soon as it affected the team in whatever way, I was going to hook myself.
"Apart from [one hiccup], the knee felt alright and it gave way at the end of the game. It got me there and we got the two points.
"Hopefully over the next couple of days, the body heals itself and it's not as bad on Tuesday. We'll assess then."
A victory over Manly - pending the results garnered by fellow top four residents the Melbourne Storm, Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs - could send the Raiders to the top of the ladder.
It would be the first time Canberra has finished a round in first place since round six of 2005 as the club looks to build on their best start in 16 years.
Four of Canberra's five scalps this season currently sit outside the top eight but Nicoll-Klokstad says they can only beat those in front of them - and so far the Raiders are doing just that.
"We are in the mix. We're giving ourselves every opportunity to do well this season," Nicoll-Klokstad said.
"We understand we're going well, but we also understand there is still a long way to go. It's only early days. We'll keep building and see how we go.
"[Manly boast] quality halves. I've just got to get to the ball first and back myself to catch those high balls. We'll assess again and see how we go."
NRL ROUND SEVEN
Sunday: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Canberra Raiders at Brookvale Oval, 2pm. TV: Live on Fox League.