Canberra Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is set to miss just one or two weeks after having surgery on the gruesome finger injury he suffered in the gritty win over South Sydney.
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Nicoll-Klokstad came off the field with blood coming from the compound dislocation, with the little finger on his left hand sticking out at an awful angle.
But the New Zealand international could be back in time to face the ladder-leading Penrith Panthers at Penrith on Saturday week.
The 24-year-old went to hospital after the game and then went for further scans on Sunday.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was happy with the news. Not surprising given the number of long-term injuries he currently has - with four players out for the season including co-captain Josh Hodgson.
Nicoll-Klokstad will miss the trip to Townsville to play the North Queensland Cowboys next weekend though, with winger Jordan Rapana putting his hand up to cover the custodian role if asked.
Canterbury-bound Nick Cotric would be another option for Stuart for the No.1 jersey.
Rapana slotted in brilliantly at fullback after Nicoll-Klokstad went off with 30 minutes remaining - until he too was forced off, for a head injury assessment.
But Rapana passed his HIA and was in good spirits after the win over the Rabbitohs.
When he returned to the Raiders earlier this year, he told The Canberra Times he was willing to play anywhere.
He's been true to his word and has so far slotted in on both wings, in the centres, at fullback and in the middle this season.
"Hopefully [Nicoll-Klokstad's] not that bad. I saw him in the sheds when I was doing my HIA and he seemed in good spirits," Rapana said.
"Luckily I think it's just a finger. Hopefully it's not too bad and he's back sooner rather than later.
"If I have to cover there, I've played there before. We've got other players too that can cover multiple positions.
"As much as we're slim at the minute with outside backs we've still got depth in all positions so happy if I need to play there then so be it."
MORE RAIDERS NEWS
While the Raiders' injury toll continues to grow, they could get second-rower-of-the-year John Bateman (shoulder) back for his first game since last year's NRL grand final.
They could also have ex-Bulldog Corey Harawira-Naera available for his first game in lime green.
Fellow England international Elliott Whitehead praised the way Bateman had gone about his rehabilitation following two bouts of surgery.
"John's not too far away. He might be included next week or he might be given an extra week," Whitehead said.
"John's a quality player. Everyone saw last year what he brought to our team so to get him back it would be a quality addition.
"He's so professional, he's been training so hard he just can't wait to get out there.
"He had a few setbacks earlier on with his injury, but he's not too far now and can't wait to get out there."
NRL ROUND 12
Saturday: Canberra Raiders v North Queensland Cowboys at Townsville, 5.30pm.