Panthers centre Waqa Blake will be sidelined for at least eight weeks following confirmation he requires surgery for his syndesmosis injury.
The 23-year-old suffered the right ankle injury after being tackled in the second half of last Sunday's victory over Parramatta.
It was initially hoped Blake could avoid surgery and target a return to action within four weeks, however specialist medical advice has indicated going under the knife is his best option for a full recovery.
Panthers coach Anthony Griffin has opted to shift Isaah Yeo to the centres for Sunday's showdown with Gold Coast Titans at Panthers Stadium.
