Kiwis star Benji Marshall will not be rushed back from a toe injury to save the fading National Rugby League hopes of the Wests Tigers, who also lost their centre pairing for six weeks.
Scans on Monday confirmed Blake Ayshford and Chris Lawrence will both miss six weeks due to injuries sustained in Saturday night's costly loss to Brisbane.
As expected, fullback-cum-halfback Tim Moltzen's ACL tear was confirmed and he will undergo season-ending surgery on his left knee on Tuesday.
The injured trio leaves an enormous gap in the Tigers' backline - and it's one which will not be filled by star playmaker Marshall.
The New Zealand international has missed the past two games with a toe injury but will not be risked by coach Mick Potter in Friday night's clash with Canterbury.
The Tigers' injury toll is reaching crisis point, with Marshall joined by five-eighth Braith Anasta, props Keith Galloway, Matt Bell and James Gavet and outside backs Moltzen, Lawrence, Ayshford, David Nofoaluma and Lote Tuqiri.
