St George Illawarra and its captain Trent Barrett have lived life on a rollercoaster since Sunday afternoon - and on Tuesday the ride ended in the worst possible way.

After being cleared to start the National Rugby League season on Monday, Barrett was told he would miss the Dragons' season opener and beyond after the club's medical staff discovered a cracked bone in his right ankle.

The 25-year-old suffered the injury at the World Sevens on Sunday but was originally diagnosed with a ruptured posterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

He was expected to be sidelined for only six weeks, leaving him free to return for the club's opening game against Wests on March 15.

However, Barrett reported ankle pain to Dragons medical staff this morning and was sent for further tests which revealed a small crack in his right ankle.

The Test five-eighth now faces at least ten weeks, and possibly three months, on the sideline.

"It's certainly a cruel blow to receive this news this afternoon after yesterday's tests were so positive," St George Illawarra coach Nathan Brown said on Tuesday.

"However, it doesn't change what I said yesterday. Whether it's six or 12 weeks without Trent, I am confident about the talent we have to have a successful start to the season.

"It's a part of coaching. I have been in the game for a while, I am sure there's going to be guys out for a lot worse than eight to ten weeks."

Brown is yet to decide who will take over the captaincy, although former skipper Lance Thompson looms as the obvious choice.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP