St George Illawarra halfback Ben Hunt is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines after scans picked up an impact fracture in his fibula.
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The in-form Dragons star was put on ice with 10 minutes to go in a 38-12 demolition job on Manly on Friday, with scans on Saturday confirming the injury.
Hunt will have further consultations with specialists this week to establish a timeframe for recovery, which could range from a fortnight to six weeks.
It means Adam Clune, who provided a steady hand during last year's disappointing campaign, is set to be recalled.
Even early in the season, the Dragons face a searching test of their top eight credentials with Newcastle, Parramatta, the Warriors and Roosters in the next month.
The news came as a shock for the club, after coach Anthony Griffin had on Friday night brushed off concerns of a serious injury for the halfback.
"St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt suffered an impact fracture to his fibula during the Dragons' 38-12 win over the Sea Eagles on Friday night," a club statement said. "Hunt's return-to-play timeframe has not yet been determined and will be subject to follow up consultations this week."
The injury has highlighted Hunt's toughness just as he was reclaiming the hot form that made him one of the premier halfbacks in the game.
It comes as centre Jack Bird on Sunday accepted a one-game ban for a grade two contrary conduct charge for his role in a clash with Moses Suli midway through the first half.
Hunt looks a far different player as captain to the man who was relegated to the bench at this point last season and left to play the majority of the year at hooker.
The 31-year-old has already set up six tries this year to go with one of his own against North Queensland last week.
His spine are also going with him, with Hunt clearly looking at home back beside Andrew McCullough and Corey Norman under their former Brisbane coach Griffin.
"They're all very talented," Griffin said on Friday.
"And the nine, seven and six have a lot of games under their belt, they are really experienced.
"I am really happy with how they are starting to click."
A win next Sunday against Newcastle will give the Dragons their first run of three straight since early 2019, while they are also now in the top eight for the first time since then. AAP
