Cronulla have delayed scans on Todd Carney’s injured achilles until Tuesday, though club officials fear their star playmaker has torn the tendon.
Carney was carried from the field midway through the second half of Sunday’s 34-16 NRL elimination final loss to Canberra, the defeat ending Cronulla’s season.
The NSW Origin pivot took the injury into the match after twisting his ankle awkwardly in the dying stages of their last round loss to North Queensland.
He required a painkilling injection prior to Sunday’s match and again at halftime, before the leg gave way as he attempted to step off his right foot.
Sharks doctor Dave Givney said the initial diagnosis was a ruptured achilles – which if confirmed would keep Carney off the training paddock until the end of January.
“It looks like he may have a tear to his achilles, that’s what we’re thinking,” Givney said.
“If it’s a tear, he’ll need an operation.
“It’s a 12-16 week recovery for most people, so he’ll be back at the start of next season.”
Despite revelations he had not been able to take part in one training session since State of Origin III due to a persistent knee problem, Sharks skipper Paul Gallen declared himself available for Australia’s one-off Test against New Zealand next month.