The Warriors have been dealt a major injury blow with star winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak set to undergo surgery after breaking his collarbone against South Sydney.
Watene-Zelezniak suffered the injury in the first half of the Warriors' clash with the Rabbitohs, with the initial diagnosis believed to be an AC joint injury to his shoulder.
However, coach Andrew Webster confirmed on Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport on Sunday that the winger had suffered a broken collarbone and is scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday.
Despite the significant injury, Webster has refused to rule out Watene-Zelezniak returning during the finals, meaning his season is not necessarily over.
Incredibly, Watene-Zelezniak returned to the field for the second half despite the injury and even managed to score a try before eventually being forced from the contest five minutes in.
The try came with his left hand, something Webster highlighted as unusual given he had never seen his winger score in that fashion before.
The injury adds to a growing casualty ward for the Warriors as they look to maintain their new position at the top of the NRL ladder heading into the finals.
Luke Metcalf is sidelined with a hamstring injury but remains hopeful of returning during the finals, while Jackson Ford is also pushing to make his comeback after being ruled out with a pectoral injury.
The Warriors are set to welcome Te Maire Martin back next round following his hamstring injury, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will return for the final regular-season round after serving his suspension.
The Warriors currently sit first on the NRL ladder and will remain in top spot if the Sydney Roosters lose to the Wests Tigers on Sunday.
Andrew Webster's side has two regular-season games remaining, both at home, against the Newcastle Knights and Manly Sea Eagles.
With a finals looming, the Warriors will now hope Watene-Zelezniak can recover quickly enough to give them another attacking weapon when the games matter most.
