Kiwis coach Michael Maguire isn’t ruling out fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from being named in the Kiwis 24-man squad for their upcoming international window.
The Warriors captain underwent knee surgery on Friday to repair a medial ligament and meniscal injury sustained during the 27-12 loss to the Panthers a week ago in the NRL playoffs.
The club hasn't given an estimated recovery time, although the standard timeline for such an injury can be anywhere from four to eight weeks.
New Zealand host the Kangaroos on October 13 in Auckland, before heading abroad to take on England in a three-test series in Hull, Liverpool and Leeds. The tour ends with a one-off match against France.
Maguire told Trackside Radio he hopes to get an answer early next week on his estimated return time.
"He had an operation yesterday, so I'm just waiting on how that pulls up to see if he is a chance or not," he said.
"I think he'll miss that first test [against Australia] and some of the England tour.
"I've given the players till next week to let me know where they're at. A few players may need operations, but right now everyone is available.
"We'll find out about Roger next week. I'd love to spend some time with Roger. He'll be a great leader moving forward."
If Tuivasa-Sheck is ruled out, Maguire has plenty of faith in his back-up in Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
The 23-year-old played 12 games in the Panthers in the number one jumper and was one of their best in 2018.
He also played fullback for New Zealand during the controversial Denver test.
"I've been impressed with how Dallin has been playing at fullback," Maguire added.
"He played fullback in the Denver test, and he's shown some great form in that positions, and he's shown that is a spot he loves."
The test on October 13 against Australia will be the Kiwis first in New Zealand since their dismal 2017 World Cup campaign which saw them lose to Fiji 4-2 in the quarter-finals.
It will be the first time the Kiwis have played Australia in New Zealand since the 2014 Four Nations final.
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