Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McDermott is crossing his fingers over the possibility of half-back Danny McGuire playing again this season.
The 29-year-old England international will be sidelined for between six to eight weeks with a knee injury, meaning he will miss out on the Carnegie Challenge Cup final against Warrington on August 25.
With only four Stobart Super League matches remaining in the season it is touch and go whether the Rhinos' playmaker will feature for the reigning champions in the play-offs.
McDermott is hoping some intensive physio might be able to shave a week from his recovery time and that he could return to help the club defend their league title.
"We've got four weekends of the regular season left and we've been told it's a six-to-eight week injury," said McDermott.
"If our physios can weave their magic, it could be a five-to-seven week injury and he could be back for the play-offs.
"Either way, he'll be in and around the squad. He's got a few miles on the clock and he knows what it takes to appear in these big games and play well.
"He would have had an influence anyway, but we need him a bit more than we normally would."