HULL KR have suffered a blow to their pre-season preparations as prop Ryan O'Hara has suffered a foot injury ruling him out of all friendly matches.
It has led to the former Crusaders star missing Rovers' warm-weather training camp in Tenerife this week
And coach Craig Sandercock admits O'Hara may yet have to miss the start of the new Super League season.
The news is a bitter blow to both KR and O'Hara, who missed the first third of last season because of a shoulder injury sustained during last year's camp.
O'Hara had surgery on the Achilles injury last week and stayed behind in Hull to recover.
However, Sandercock doubts he'll be ready to face Catalan Dragons in the season opener at MS3 Craven Park on Sunday, February 3.
"Ryan had a bit of a foot problem at the end of last season and the specialist seemed to think that a bit of rest and recovery would bring it back to normal," Sandercock told the Mail.
"Unfortunately, that's not been the case and he was in severe pain with it and the best option was to have surgery.
"He'll be in a boot for four weeks and after that he'll start running, so we are racing against time for him to be fit for round one. The problem is up around the Achilles area so you have to be very careful."
Sandercock is confident surgery should solve the injury once and for all and won't lead to O'Hara facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
It is a similar injury to that which troubled Hull City striker Matty Fryatt and eventually ruled him out for the entire campaign.
"That's why we got on it as early as we did," Sandercock said.
"If he had kept playing or training it could have gone, so it's why we decided he should have surgery.
"The surgeon was happy with how things went and he's convinced that after four weeks in the boot he'll be ready to go."
Sean Gleeson (sore back) and Evarn Tuimavave (visa issues) have also missed the trip to Tenerife, but Sandercock has been delighted with how the camp has gone so far.
"I've said before this week is the equivalent of four weeks training back home," he said.
"We're able to train in idyllic conditions. As a coach I have high expectations and always want more.
"The work ethic of the boys has been the most pleasing thing and they are taking advantage of the facilities. It has been a resounding success so far but we still have a couple of intense days to go."
