Australia hope to have Tamika Upton back for the Pacific Cup final, after the Jillaroos ace was ruled out of the final group game against New Zealand in Auckland.
The two-time Dally M Medallist officially succumbed to a calf strain on Friday, opening the door for Abbi Church to make her Test debut at fullback at Eden Park.
Australia officials are hopeful Upton will be fine to play in next week's decider at CommBank Stadium, with New Zealand already locked in as their opponents.
"Tamika pulled up on Tuesday's training with calf soreness, so our performance staff just took some precautionary actions and wanted to get that checked out," Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner said.
"It's been a really long season for Tamika, and she has had issues with the calf previously.
"She's got a minor strain, so it's best that we look after her and work towards getting her back for next week."
The Jillaroos have also lost reserve forward Mackenzie Weale for the rest of the tournament with a pelvis injury.
Weale had been named on an extended bench for Sunday's match, but will now be unavailable for both this week and the final.
Upton's injury, meanwhile, hands Church a fitting opportunity to debut.
The Parramatta star impressed for NSW in State of Origin this year and was part of Australia's extended squad for last year's Pacific Championships.
"It's a great opportunity for Abbi to make a debut, someone who's been part of the campaign over the last two years," Skinner said.
"She's been working really hard, has had a great season as well, so it's another opportunity for a debutant which is exciting for Abbi and the team."
