Sydney Roosters captain Boyd Cordner could miss up to 12 weeks of NRL action, as he recovers from a brutal run of concussions.
The 28-year-old was scratched from the final two State of Origin games in November, after suffering a head knock in the series opener.
Fox Sports reports Cordner will miss the opening three months of the season, with the Roosters hoping for $AU350,000 in salary cap relief.
The 2018-19 champions are eligible for the dispensation, because the three-time premiership winner suffered his latest head knock playing representative football.
AU$350,000 is the maximum amount allowed for any player who will miss at least 12 games.
The Roosters are understood to have sought the best medical advice possible, as they try to save the career of their inspirational leader.
Given the Blues skipper’s history of concussion, the incident that sparked Cordner's upcoming absence drew widespread condemnation, with the NRL formally warning New South Wales Rugby League for failing to follow the game's head injury assessment protocols.
Cordner was allowed back onto the field after passing a concussion test, despite wobbling off the park several minutes earlier.
The NZ Warriors visit Sydney to play the Roosters in a round four clash at the SCG, on April 4.
