Sam Verrills' fight to keep the Sydney Roosters' No.9 jersey has been put on hold after he required surgery on a broken thumb.
Verrills was due to miss the Roosters' NRL opener against Newcastle due to suspension, but was hurt in training in the lead up to the club.
It's expected he will now miss at least the first month of the NRL season, with Connor Watson to hold onto the hooker role.
The injury comes as a blow to Verrills, who has been adamant he wants to stay on as Roosters hooker once Brandon Smith arrives next year.
"I am the hooker at the club now and I don't plan on giving that up," Verrills told AAP earlier this month.
"I am signed until 2024. I haven't spoken with anyone. My passion is the Roosters."
The injury is the latest in a string of unlucky hits for the 23-year-old.
His 2020 season was ruined by an ACL injury, while he also suffered a detached retina last year.
