South Sydney captain Greg Inglis is expected to miss up to six months of rugby league after injuring his knee in the Rabbitohs' NRL season opener on Friday.
Inglis suffered the injury early in the 34-18 loss against Wests Tigers, and scans on Saturday have revealed the fullback has damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
"The injury occurred in the first instance in the match, not as a consequence of Greg playing on further," Rabbitohs general manager of football, Shane Richardson said.
"Our medical staff further examined the injury at the half time break and they felt the knee was stable, and they along with the Head Coach and Greg himself agreed that he would go on and play in the second half.
"I, along with the rest of our Club, have the greatest of confidence in our medical and coaching staff to make the best possible decisions about our players' wellbeing.
"We have the quality of squad to continue our quest throughout the season and Greg, as our captain and senior leader, will continue to play a significant role throughout the year."
Souths were already without star half-back Adam Reynolds on Friday night as they were overrun by the Tigers.