Parramatta Eels hooker Kaysa Pritchard has been granted indefinite leave by the club as he tries to overcome a lingering injury from last season.
Pritchard returned to pre-season training in October 2018 but has experienced "residual impact from that injury" according to a club statement.
The club has granted Pritchard's request for time away from the game to assess his immediate playing future.
"Our first priority is looking after Kaysa's health and well-being," Eels general manager of football Mark O'Neill said.
"Kaysa has been open with the Club about the impact from the injury he suffered and while we consider it a private medical matter, he is aware that he has our full support.
"We request that Kaysa's privacy is respected at this difficult time."