Queensland’s State of Origin troops have taken another hit with Melbourne prop Christian Welch appearing to suffer a serious knee injury during their NRL match against Wests Tigers.

The 24-year-old limped off AAMI Park after suffering the injury in the final set of the first half, looking despondent.

Melbourne tweeted soon after that he had an “suspected ACL” and would go for scans.

Welch was 18th man for the Maroons in game three last year and was hopeful of breaking into the playing squad, with some consistent performances in the Storm’s stellar start to the season.

Welch injured the same knee in round nine in May 20217, which ruled him out of their run to the premiership.