The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs can confirm Raymond Faitala-Mariner will be sidelined for 16-20 weeks due to a foot injury.
The back-rower was sent for scans on Monday with the results showing he has suffered an incomplete fracture of the navicular bone in his right foot and will require surgery later this week.
Faitala-Mariner suffered the injury during the Bulldogs round two loss to the Penrith Panthers and failed to return to the field in the second half.
Once surgery is complete, the 27-year old will commence his rehab program and will be looking to make a contribution at the back end of the season.