Canterbury forward Chris Smith could play in the NRL again this year despite needing knee surgery while fullback Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been cleared of injury.

Smith’s season was thought to be over after he hurt his knee in Saturday night’s All Stars match, amid fears of a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

But scans on Monday showed only a partial tear for the Indigenous All Star, with his medial ligament copping the brunt of the damage with a complete tear.

The 26-year-old will go under the knife and is expected to be sidelined for at least 12 weeks, meaning he could still be fit to play from as early as round 11.

Meanwhile Watene-Zelezniak is a chance of playing in Canterbury’s final trial match against Canberra on Saturday in Port Macquarie.

The Kiwis captain was taken to hospital after injuring his back during his acrobatic opening try for the Maoris on the wing.

He suffered bruising but will still travel to the squad to Port Macquarie and is therefore not in any doubt for the NRL season opener against Parramatta on March 12.

It is a big relief for coach Dean Pay, who had already lost Keiran Foran with a shoulder injury through representative football last year.

Elsewhere, St George Illawarra will be made to sweat on the fitness of prop Josh Kerr, who is yet to receive results on the severity of his knee injury from the All Stars clash.

The forward has had a stellar pre-season with impressive performances in both the Nines and All Stars before being injured and will likely have a bench role with the Dragons if fit.