Brisbane Broncos winger Jordan Kahu has been ruled out of his side's clash with the Parramatta Eels on Thursday night with a groin injury.
Kahu last week revealed to NRL.com that it was an injury he had been battling for four months, with the New Zealand international first tweaking it during his side's Round 7 win over the Gold Coast Titans.
It is why Kahu has not been kicking goals in recent weeks, resting his injury in a bid to try and play out the season.
But this week it has flared up again and the Broncos are playing it safe, with David Mead coming onto the wing to replace him.
It is set to be Mead's 10th game in Brisbane colours and his first since Round 17 when the Broncos were smashed 42-12 by the Melbourne Storm.
Mead's inclusion is one of two changes to a Brisbane side that defeated the St George Illawarra Dragons 24-12 in Round 24, with young second-rower Jaydn Su'A also returning to the side at the expense of the injured Tevita Pangai Junior.
Pangai Junior should only miss one week with a hamstring injury, the same length of time Kahu faces on the sidelines.
"He [Kahu] won't play. He's got a groin problem he's had for most of the year," Broncos coach Wayne Bennett said.
"He probably needs a week off but he'll be back next week. David's been really good for us this year and Jonus [Pearson] is here as well. Jonus hasn't played for two or three weeks, but David has so he's ready to go."
Brisbane are bracing for a tough contest on Thursday night after going down to Parramatta 28-14 in Round 21.
The Eels are trying to break into the competition's top four and Bennett is well aware of Parramatta's threats across the park.
"They've had a couple of losses since they played us. They got some form back last week so I think it will be a good game of football," he said.
"They have some quality players. We know they can play and we respect them.
"They are obviously a much better team than they were last year. They are going to be in the playoffs so we will have our hands full on Thursday night."
The spotlight will be on Broncos halfback Kodi Nikorima has he looks to bounce back from a quiet match against the Dragons.
Nikorima has been touted as Brisbane's long-term halfback and an impressive performance against a quality side like the Eels would fill Broncos fans with confidence.
In what will be a huge test, the 23-year-old will be going head-to-head with in-form Parramatta halfback Mitchell Moses.
It is set to be an intriguing battle, with Bennett backing his young half to perform under pressure.
"They've all had their moments. Kodi has been great this week. His form has been good overall and he'll be good tomorrow night," he said.
"I'm not changing teams now. We know what our best team is and our job is to get it on the field every week."
