Gold Coast Titans boom half Kane Elgey has been ruled out for the entire 2016 season, following a knee injury sustained at training.
MORE: Roberts expects hostile reception from Titans fans | Is Jennings on his way out of the Roosters?
The injury was initially considered minor, but scans later revealed the worst case scenario, with an ACL tear putting Elgey on the sidelines.
New signing Tyrone Roberts is the only recognised playmaker available, with fellow new recruit, and Holden Cup Player of the Year, Ashley Taylor expected to make the step up to the NRL level sooner than expected.
Titans coach Neil Henry shared the club's disappointment, telling The Courier Mail that the halfback was "shattered" by the news.
"It's a devastating blow for Kane. He showed immense promise during his rookie season in 2015 and had been training extremely well, always among the leading group, and shown what great strides he had taken in confidence and maturity," Henry said.
"He will overcome this setback and come back and continue to progress into a quality NRL player."
The Titans' season was already looking bleak, with star centre James Roberts heading up the highway to Brisbane to join the Broncos.
Former gun half Aidan Sezer left for the Canberra Raiders while captain Nate Myles departed for Manly, leaving the Titans' list short on experience and marquee talent.