Danny Buderus’ dream of a recall for the State of Origin opener appears doomed, with the Newcastle hooker ruled out for up to a month with Achilles tendinitis.

Buderus left the field during Monday night’s 34-14 win over Penrith complaining of a pain to the Achilles injury which kept him out of last month’s City-Country fixture and could sideline him until after the Knights’ round-11 bye.

And while scans revealed there was no tear, the injury needs considerable recovery time and looks set to end his chance of reclaiming the NSW No.9 jersey.

“The positive is the scans showed no tear and it is a matter of now managing the tendinitis,” Newcastle’s performance director Jeremy Hickmans said in a statement.

“With a break from training and playing, Danny is hopeful to return after the bye.”

Knights utility Matt Hilder will start Sunday’s game at hooker against Sydney Roosters.