Australia's Four Nations hopes have been rocked following confirmation that Greg Inglis will miss the entire tournament through injury.
The influential centre has decided to undergo shoulder surgery following the end of the domestic season for Melbourne Storm.
The 23-year-old had already agreed to join Brisbane Broncos for the new NRL campaign and wants to arrive at his new club injury free.
"Inglis is expected to have the surgery in the next few weeks, meaning he is certain to be fit for the Broncos when the 2011 NRL season commences in mid-March," read a statement on his new club's official website.
Inglis has won 16 caps for the Kangaroos and was named the best player in the world last year.
Australia begin the defence of the Four Nations title they won last season against Papua New Guinea on October 24 before taking on New Zealand and England.