Penrith Panthers prop Tim Browne faces an indefinite period on the sidelines after rupturing his bowel during the club's Intrust Super Premiership victory over North Sydney on Saturday afternoon.
The veteran prop underwent emergency surgery at Nepean Hospital on Saturday night following a routine hit-up in the first half before leaving the field in severe discomfort.
Penrith confirmed in a statement the 30-year-old was in a stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.
Browne joined the Panthers in 2017 after five seasons at the Bulldogs but was yet to feature in Anthony Griffin's first grade line-up for the opening two games of the year.