Andrew Johns has raised concerns over some of Penrith's biggest stars, with their increased "workload" under the microscope.
The reigning premiers went down on Friday night in a shock loss against the Roosters, with an injury to Dylan Edwards rubbing further salt into the wounds.
The fullback left the field in the second half with a groin issue and has since undergone scans that confirmed a strain.
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It has been revealed that Edwards will miss up to three weeks – but Johns knows better than most how difficult a groin injury can be to overcome.
"We've had bad groins and carried them for 12 or 18 months, they just don't get right," he said on Nine's Sunday Footy Show.
"The way he was hobbling there is a bad sign and you could see when he came off, he was actually grabbing at the attachment."
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Edwards has enjoyed a stellar rise in recent years, winning four-straight premierships with Penrith and going on to represent NSW and Australia.
However, according to Johns, the continued pressure on some of the club's top names to compete on every stage could become an issue for coach Ivan Cleary.
Andrew Johns weighs in on Dylan Edwards' injury. Nine
"It can be an overuse injury and we all hear about how fit he [Edwards] is," Johns said.
"But him, Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary and Liam Martin have played Origins, semi finals and tours … they are not machines.
"The workload and the way they play is really tough on them."Â
Last year, Nathan Cleary managed just 13 appearances for the Panthers due to injuries, while Martin had off-season surgery and has battled a number of ailments.
Penrith will look to bounce back in round three in a blockbuster grand final rematch against the Melbourne Storm.