Wigan Warriors full-back Jai Field faces four to six weeks on the sidelines after being diagnosed with appendicitis.
The Super League club said, external the Australian was admitted to hospital on Monday before receiving the diagnosis.
The 28-year-old had surgery on Monday afternoon and will now be out for at least the rest of March.
“We are confident that Jai will make a full and speedy recovery and our thoughts and best wishes are with him at this time,” the club added.
Field has made three appearances for Wigan this season, all in Super League.
He has scored four tries, including two in their 54-0 thrashing of borough rivals Leigh Leopards on Thursday.