Veteran Newcastle hooker Danny Buderus has been sidelined for three to four weeks due to Achilles tendonitis in a blow for New South Wales Origin selectors.
The Blues already have injury woes with utility Kurt Gidley (shoulder) almost certainly done for the season, while full-back Josh Dugan and utility back Jarryd Hayne are not 100 per cent fit.
Scans on Tuesday revealed the extent of the damage and a four-week break would almost certainly end 34-year-old Buderus' chances of playing in State of Origin I at Docklands in Melbourne on May 23.
"The positive is the scans showed no tear and it is a matter of now managing the tendonitis," Knights performance director Jeremy Hickmans said.
"With a break from training and playing, Danny is hopeful to return after the bye."
He sat out of the City-Country Origin clash in Mudgee two weekends ago due to a problem with his Achilles tendon, which again flared up in Monday night's 34-14 win over Penrith at Hunter Stadium.
Buderus was forced from the field in the first half and played no further part in the win.
Matt Hilder will wear the number nine jersey against the Roosters on Sunday in Buderus' absence, but the club is yet to name a replacement on the bench.
Knights legend Buderus returned to Australia this season for a swansong with his only NRL club after winning the English Super League with Leeds last year.
Tags: rugby-league, sport, nrl, state-of-origin, newcastle-2300 First posted May 02, 2012 15:43:45
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