The Warriors have received a bitter blow before the first whistle is blown in the NRL season as State of Origin prop Jacob Lillyman faces surgery and three months on the sideline.
Lillyman left the field after 10 minutes of the Warriors' 26-10 trial victory over the Gold Coast Titans at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night.
It was later revealed the Queensland Origin representative had torn his right bicep off the tendon at the elbow.
"It's probable he'll have surgery this week," Warriors doctor John Mayhew said.
"With this type of injury he faces three months on the sideline."
Whilst the 2011 beaten grand finalists have a rich stock of props in the likes of Sam Rapira, Russell Packer, Ben Matulino and others capable of stepping into the role, it is a major loss.
The hard-hitting and no-nonsense running style of Lillyman saw him become a key component in his club side's run to the grand final and also in Queensland's fifth straight Origin series success.
"It's a real blow to lose Jake and it's especially tough for him," said Warriors coach Brian McClennan.
"It's disappointing knowing how hard he has worked during the off-season and how well he has prepared but I know our medical staff will do everything they can to give him the best possible treatment and get him back just as soon as possible."
Lillyman will be out of action until the end of April.
As a result, McClennan said several contenders were in line to replace him and will be given every opportunity in the remaining two trial matches against South Sydney on Saturday and a week later in Whangarei against the Sunshine Coast.
If McClennan chooses to play four props in the NRL season-opener against premiers Manly on March 4, as is expected, the likes of Ukuma Ta'ai and Steve Rapira may shift from the second row to fill Lillyman's void.