Gold Coast fullback AJ Brimson is at long odds to feature in the Titans push for an NRL finals berth after undergoing surgery on a fractured jaw.
The Titans revealed on Tuesday morning that Brimson had picked up a hairline fracture in Saturday's loss to South Sydney, after copping a stray boot from Latrell Mitchell.
The Queensland State of Origin representative has since posted a photo to social media of him in hospital, confirming he'd required surgery.
It's expected the operation will rule him out for at least three weeks.
The news is a major blow for the Titans, who are chasing a first finals appearance in five seasons.
Brimson is one of the club's biggest gamebreakers, with Gold Coast having won just three of their last 16 games without him.
They sit eighth on the ladder, and likely need to win two of their last three to claim a return to the finals.
They also face the table-topping Melbourne Storm on Thursday night, who are aiming for a record-equalling 19th consecutive win.
Brimson's injury has opened the door for a return for youngster Jayden Campbell, who made his NRL debut against the Storm earlier this year in a narrow 20-14 loss on the Sunshine Coast.
"Jayden is fully fit and ready to go if selected," Titans high performance manager Klint Hoare said.
"He's recovered really well from an ankle injury that he had and has been back to full fitness for a few weeks now."
