Brisbane five-eighth Anthony Milford will have knee surgery, potentially ending his career at Red Hill without playing another NRL game.
Out-of-favour Milford didn't win selection for the Broncos' heavy loss to St George Illawarra last round, with coach Kevin Walters preferring Tyson Gamble and Albert Kelly in the halves.
The Broncos confirmed on Monday scans had revealed damage to the meniscus in his knee that requires surgery and at least a month on the sidelines in recovery.
The 26-year-old's million-dollar-a-year contract expires at the end of this season and a round-18 return at the earliest leaves him little time to force his way back into the line-up or try to impress other clubs.
Meanwhile, utility Kobe Hetherington has recovered quickly after leaving the field with a foot injury in last Thursday's clash with the Dragons.
Hetherington was diagnosed with a sprained foot but was able to train on Monday and will be available for Saturday night's round-14 clash with Canberra.
Prop Rhys Kennedy also returned to training this week after an infection forced him out of the line-up against Melbourne, prior to the Dragons.
