Penrith’s Jamie Soward and Bryce Cartwright are at long odds to play again this NRL season after being hospitalised following Monday’s bruising clash with Canberra.
Soward (concussion) and Cartwright (lacerated kidney) will likely sit out Saturday’s wooden spoon playoff with Newcastle despite being named by coach Ivan Cleary.
Soward spent the night in Canberra Hospital following a collision with Jack Wighton late in the first half.
The Panthers said he would be monitored throughout the week.
In-form back-rower Cartwright will remain in hospital for the next few days but will not require surgery.