SYDNEY - Queensland will be forced to unveil generation next when they push for an Origin whitewash next month following revelations Petero Civoniceva will be sidelined for seven weeks with a toe injury.
Civoniceva is expected to join fellow Maroons front-rower Ben Hannant watching Origin III from the sideline after
scans confirmed the Penrith skipper had torn the tendon off the bone of his big toe during Queensland's history-making win over NSW last Wednesday night.
Hannant is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a knee injury picked up in the 24-14 victory, which gave Queensland an unprecedented four straight series wins.
Their unavailability means Maroons selectors will be able to give fans a glimpse into the future as they prepare for the day Civoniceva and fellow veteran Steve Price finally hang up the boots.
Canberra prop David Shillington would be favoured to snare one of the vacancies at Suncorp Stadium, while previously out-of-favour Brisbane backrower David Taylor could earn a call-up.
Civoniceva's injury is also a massive blow to Penrith's finals hopes with the Panthers clinging to eighth spot on the NRL ladder.
NSW Origin star Luke Lewis is also not expected to return until just before the finals due to a toe injury, leaving the Panthers pack looking a little light-on for the run home.
"I would have liked to be able to play for the club and take my spot in the final Origin game of the series but unfortunately that won't be the case," Civoniceva said in a statement.
The 33-year-old complained that he could not accelerate when he was taken from the field in the first half of Wednesday night's game.
Like several of his banged-up Maroons teammates, Civoniceva returned after the break and it wasn't until he underwent scans that the full extent of the injury was revealed.
He won't need surgery with the foot to be immobilised in a boot for four weeks during which the tendon is expected to re-attach itself and heal, then follows three weeks of rehabilitation.
- AAP
