NRL: Dargaville's Sam McKendry suffers another major knee injury

Dargaville-raised Sam McKendry tore anterior cruciate ligament during Saturday's victory over South Sydney. Photo / Getty Images

Sam McKendry can't catch a break.

The Dargaville-raise Penrith Panthers forward will again miss at least the majority of the NRL season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament during Saturday's 18-16 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

McKendry injured right knee in the Panthers' 18-14 win over South Sydney on Saturday, and while he played on for 12 minutes after he went down, scans have since revealed a tear.

This is the third consecutive season McKendry has been felled by a knee injury.

In 2016 he missed the second half of the NRL season with his first torn ACL before injuring the same knee in the lead-up to the 2017 season, ruling him out for the whole year.

The latest setback on the same knee is likely to see the 28-year-old miss at least most of 2018.

"It's unbelievably sad news for Sam and his family. He has worked so hard on overcoming this injury before," Panthers supremo Phil Gould said.

"It's a huge blow for our club as well. Sam really looked like he was getting back to his best.

"As always we will ensure Sam gets the best of medical advice and care. But sometimes this game just isn't fair."

McKendry and the Panthers are seeking specialist medical advice about his best options for recovery.

The injury, while disappointing for the former Kiwi representative, could open the door for a pair of fellow Northlanders.

James Fisher-Harris and Corey Harawira-Naera, both from the Far North, may see more game time come their way.