Newcastle Knights coach Rick Stone confirmed on Tuesday morning five-eighth Jarrod Mullen is unlikely to return in Round 10 due to a toe injury.
The 28-year-old playmaker suffered the injury in Round 8, which saw his subsequent withdrawal from the Country Origin side as well as missing the Round 9 match on Sunday.
“We’re still trying to get a diagnosis. He went to a specialist yesterday in Sydney and he’s going to another one today,” Stone told the media on Tuesday.
“We haven’t quite nailed an actual diagnosis for his big toe.
“There are a lot of bones in the foot there and we are trying to sort out exactly the diagnosis and then the procedure of his recovery.
“We might know a little bit more later today, but at this stage he’s going to be doubtful for this week."
While the loss of one of the Knights’ halves is a blow to the team, Stone is confident in the side’s depth.
“Jarrod’s one of our key playmakers and I think most teams are really dented if they lose their key play makers,” Stone added.
“First of all we need to go through the process and see the diagnosis and then we will make some adjustments to suit if we need to.
“We have obviously got some options. Young Jake (Mamo) played well in reserve grade as a fullback.
“Carlos Tuimavave played in the Samoan test a couple of weeks ago as five-eighth and they are some genuine options for us there.
“We will consider those in our selection meeting today.”
The Knights take on the Wests Tigers this Sunday at Hunter Stadium, with all three grades in action.
