Jason Taumalolo could miss the start of the 2025 season due to injury.
The veteran Cowboys enforcer recently underwent surgery after suffering a Lisfranc injury while representing Tonga in the year-end Pacific Championships.
Due to his international commitments, Taumalolo was not scheduled to return to club training until January, when the medical staff will determine how long he will be out.
Jason Taumalolo is in doubt for the start of 2025. Â Getty
The usual return timeframe after undergoing Lisfranc surgery is between three and four months, which places Taumalolo in doubt for North Queensland's round one game.
Taumalolo's potential absence isn't the only blow for the Cowboys, with young gun Tom Chester set to miss the entire season due to an ACL injury.
The 23-year-old utility featured in five games this season, but was expected to battle it out for a spot in the backline or on the bench next year.
The news comes after the Cowboys landed the signature of English back-rower John Bateman for the next two seasons after his release from the Wests Tigers.