Warriors hooker Nathan Friend is expected to be out for six weeks after breaking his jaw early in their ninth-round 30-20 win against Brisbane at Mount Smart Stadium last night.
Friend was taken to hospital after the match where x-rays confirmed the break.
Team doctor John Mayhew said the NRL veteran was likely to have surgery and faced up to six weeks out of action.
With a bye coming up in the 12th round, it would mean Friend is likely to miss up to five games - the Sydney Roosters (home), Wests Tigers (away), Melbourne (home), Penrith (away) and Cronulla (away).
While the injury happened in the opening five minutes of the match, Friend went on to play the full 80 minutes, insisting he stayed on the field.
