Brisbane centre Justin Hodges has been ruled out of the rugby league World Cup, due to an ongoing shoulder problem.
Scans have revealed the Test and Origin star requires surgery to repair two separate tears in his right shoulder, and will be out of action for up to five months.
"I'm 26 now, it's probably my last chance to chance to play in one (World Cup), so for me it's real gutting," Hodges told Fox Sports this afternoon.
"It's sort of like this year, very heartbreaking. It's just one of those things that happens in footy I guess."
Hodges will go under the knife next Wednesday, and hopes to have recovered in time to for the Broncos round one clash against against the Cowboys next season.
"It's the worst case scenario for Justin and worst case scenario for the team," ARL doctor Hugh Hazard told AAP.
A combination of injury and suspension saw the damaging centre play just 14 matches in season 2008, with the should problem getting progressively worse throughout the course of the season.
Australian selectors are yet to name a replacement.