UPDATE: Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has confirmed hooker Jake Friend suffered a small fracture to his forearm.
The fracture occurred around the metal screw inserted into his arm to repair his ruptured bicep tendon earlier in the year.
"He's disappointed, we're all disappointed because we finally got back our crew of decision-makers, you get your captains back on the field for the first time in a long time...It's disappointing," Robinson said during his post-match press conference.
Robinson confirmed that Friend will spend an extended stint on the sideline, although it is not expected to be season-ending.
EARLIER
In his second game back from a ruptured biceps tendon, integral Sydney Roosters hooker Jake Friend sustained another right arm problem against the Newcastle Knights at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Having emerged from the bench in his awaited return last round, Friend started on Saturday afternoon but lasted only eight minutes before succumbing to his latest injury.
Initial assessments pointed to a bad forearm cork, according to ABC Grandstand reporter Michael Carayannis, with the nuggety rake to take no further part in the match.
MORE: Roosters vs Knights – James Tedesco caps off incredible try of the year candidate
Provided Friend has only suffered a contusion, he may not miss any games.
But if scans show a dreaded fracture, the Roosters co-captain could be sidelined for four to eight weeks, per the NRL Physio.
Jake Friend off with a suspected right forearm injury. No clear mechanism of injury; Friend was motioning to forearm as early as 3 minutes into game. Obvious concern is re-rupture of biceps tendon. Hopefully just a forearm contusion/cork & no fracture #NRLRoostersKnights pic.twitter.com/nm5XnaLaAk
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) July 20, 2019
Early assessment for Jake Friend suggests forearm contusion/cork & he won’t be back today (via @MCarayannis). Would be best case scenario if he is able to avoid a fracture. If no fracture usually max 1-2 weeks recovery. If fractured would extend to 4-8 weeks #NRLRoostersKnights
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) July 20, 2019
Fox League commentator Braith Anasta said at half-time that Friend was struggling to make a fist with his right hand.
In positive news, Lara Pitt reported Sydney had ruled out the possibility that Friend re-ruptured his biceps tendon.
Roosters have ruled out biceps re-rupture for Jake Friend (hands on testing in the sheds very accurate here). Friend reportedly struggling to make a fist/pinch, this along with ice position below more suggestive of forearm cork. Just have to hope no fracture #NRLRoostersKnights pic.twitter.com/fNvzSE0iLZ
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) July 20, 2019
Friend watched on for eight matches after the serious injury versus the St George Illawarra Dragons on Anzac Day in round seven.
He was impressive in his comeback against the North Queensland Cowboys last Sunday, booting a 40/20 and scoring a try, but couldn't help the Roosters to victory.
The No.9 was making his 100th appearance as Sydney's skipper at the SCG.
Victor Radley again shifted from lock to dummy-half to cover Friend's absence.
The setback didn't stop the Roosters, with the defending premiers running rampant in the second stanza to claim a 48-10 win over Newcastle.