Queensland's win over New South Wales in the State of Origin opener on Wednesday night came at a cost with centre Justin Hodges suffering a knee injury that's likely to rule him out for the rest of the series.
Having come into the game without playing in the past month after a hamstring injury had sidelined him from his club duties with the Brisbane Broncos, Hodges lasted only 25 minutes before leaving the field.
While coach Mal Meninga is 'hopeful' Hodges may be able to return sooner, the 27-year-old was on crutches after the game and will undergo scans in Melbourne on Thursday morning.
Maroons doctor Roy Saunders believes that Hodges has suffered a grade-two tear of his medial ligament, which would likely leave him off the field for up to six weeks and therefore the final two games in the series.
"Clinically you've got a fairly good idea of what's going on but it's nice to be able to review it in the morning and do it properly rather than just guessing," Saunders said. "It (how long Hodges is sidelined) will vary, again depending on what else we find."
Having made his debut at Origin level seven years ago, Hodges has played just 10 matches since as injuries and suspension have prevented him playing more games, with the likelihood he will only manage one appearance for the second year in a row.
And while he grabbed his share of headlines in the lead-up with suggestions rookie Blues centre Michael Jennings would be 'scared' in his debut, Hodges will be sorely missed according to skipper Darren Lockyer.
During the time Hodges was on the field Queensland had scored three tries in 10 minutes to surge to an 18-2 lead but Lockyer believes it was his loss that played its part in the Maroons failing to put the Blues away.
"Karmichael (Hunt) came out there and he did a great job as he always does but Hodgo is a bit like Greg Inglis, when you've got him out there he's a weapon," Lockyer said. "I think he just took one aspect out of attack away from us."