The Penrith Panthers have suffered a major setback after edge back-rower Scott Sorensen was ruled out with a Category 1 HIA in the opening stages of their preliminary final against the Broncos.
Sorenson, who has cemented the left second-row position in 2025, will not only miss the remainder of the clash with Brisbane but also the grand final if Penrith progresses.
The injury came from a head clash with teammate Blaize Talagi in an unfortunate case of friendly fire.
MORE: Death, taxes and the Panthers winning NRL preliminary finals - the stats Broncos must overcome
The incident occurred within the first two minutes, and Sorensen was assessed by the club's trainer as unfit to continue.
Luke Garner was brought in as a ready-made replacement from the pine, but the loss remains a major blow for Sorenson.
"He is a very, very capable left edge replacement," said Andrew Voss on the Fox League commentary.
Since joining the Panthers from the Sharks in 2021, Sorensen has played a key role in all four of the club's premiership triumphs during this dominant era.