The Brisbane Broncos have confirmd that new recruit Darius Boyd ruptured his left achilles at training and will miss six to nine months.
The injury while doing regulation shuttle runs with the team, with Boyd now set to undergo surgery next Tuesday.
The 27-year-old was in his second week of pre-season when the injury occurred about 40 minutes into training, the Broncos said.
While the injury is a blow to the club, CEO Paul White said previous injuries of this nature had proven that full recovery was normal.
"The one thing we do know from previous experience - such as with Justin Hodges - is that players return from this injury to full fitness," White said.
"At this stage are thoughts are only with Darius and helping him get ready for his operation so he can begin his recovery with as much support as possible."
Broncos Coach Wayne Bennett said the player will receive the best medical treatment.
"It's the achilles. My initial thought is that's footy, that's life, we get on with it," Bennett said.
"I just saw Darius on the ground, he's done his achilles, so that's the bottom line, it's a six-month injury and we have to get on with life.
"They were just doing a simple training drill, we call them shuttles, and Darius did a turn and that's as simple as it will be. It's no-one's fault, it just happens.
"There's nothing we can do now. If you do enough training in life, things like that will happen."
"We have a team of players, it's no dramas. I wish it didn't happen but it's happened," he said.
"Halfway through the season he will be back playing for us, we'll manage it while he's away and get on with life."
The club is making no further comment on the matter and will get on with pre-season training.
