South Sydney fear Campbell Graham may not play at all in 2024 as the star centre struggles to return from pre-season sternum surgery.
Graham went under the knife in February after struggling throughout 2023.
It had initially been expected he would miss the first half of the NRL season, before his return date was revised to round 18.
But the 25-year-old is yet to resume training alongside his teammates, and the club now believe he may not return at all this year.
It is possible the Rabbitohs would only consider bringing him back if they remain a finals hope late in the season.
Winger Tyrone Munro may also not play again this year, as he attempts to come back from a second collarbone injury.
"Campbell hasn't been training with us at all. He hasn't touched a ball," interim coach Ben Hornby said.
"He's still a long way off, if at all.
"Tyrone is the same. At the moment, there's no return date for either of those guys.
"They could be back in four or five weeks, but the likelihood is they won't come back this year."
Graham's situation is a particular blow for the Rabbitohs, whose finals charge is alive and well after Saturday's 14-0 victory over Manly brought a fourth straight win.
Prop Tevita Tatola is now out for the season, joining Lachlan Ilias in having his year ruined by injury.
Fellow front-rower Shaquai Mitchell is expected to miss another month, as is second-rower Jacob Host.
Centre Isaiah Tass is also still some way off returning from an ankle injury.
In better news for Souths, Jack Wighton will be able to take an $1800 fine for a high tackle and avoid a ban after being placed on report twice in the win over Manly.
The Sea Eagles expect to welcome back up to seven players for their post-bye clash with North Queensland.
Without 13 players against the Rabbitohs, Manly expect to have Reuben Garrick and Tom Trbojevic back against the Cowboys alongside their State of Origin stars.
Josh Aloiai will return from suspension, while Lachlan Croker is due to resume contact training this week after ongoing concussion symptoms.
Prop Taniela Paseka is expected to miss at least a month, after undergoing surgery on his fractured thumb.
The Sea Eagles had Toff Sipley (knee) and Corey Waddell (ankle) play injured in Saturday night's loss, with the latter sporting a moon boot until shortly before the match.
