Kiwis league forward Frank Pritchard says shoulder surgery will likely rule him out of this year's World Cup after a performance which drew comparisons with star compatriot Sonny Bill Williams.
Pritchard was in devastating form, scoring two tries as Penrith retained their spot in the NRL's top-eight witha 36-22 win over Gold Coast.
But his role as one of the Kiwis' key men at the World Cup in Australia in October-November - and the prospect of teaming up with Williams - was put in doubt by his post-match comments.
"I've been delaying [surgery] for a couple of years on my right shoulder, so I think it's time I just get it done," Pritchard said.
Panthers doctor Norm Southern commented on the timing of the surgery to the Sunday Telegraph: "The domestic season. I think [the World Cup] would be hard. Eight more rounds, maybe the semis.
"There is always a danger the tear could extend. Every game he plays, the more that can happen."
Southern said Pritchard needed a painkilling injection in his right shoulder to play on Saturday and the extent of the damage won't be confirmed until scans are done.
Panthers captain Petero Civoniceva said his teammate deserved to be mentioned in the same breath as Williams.
"There's a lot of talk about how damaging Sonny Bill is," Civoniceva said, "but I know when Frank gets the ball in his hands, there are a lot of opposite second-rowers and centres who have nightmares".
