Drew Mitchell's horrific season-ending leg injury has been compounded by the likely losses of NSW's two most damaging forwards as they walk a Super Rugby finals tight-rope.

Wallabies winger Mitchell underwent foot surgery in Brisbane on Sunday afternoon which was expected to confirm initial forecasts his 2011 World Cup dream had been sadly shattered.

At the same time, the Waratahs flew back into Sydney following the painful 19-15 loss to Queensland with hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau (shoulder) and No.8 Wycliff Palu (hamstring) in serious doubt for Saturday night's clash with the Melbourne Rebels.

Both Test forwards suffered recurrences of lingering problems that have plagued them and may be given extra time off over the next three to four weeks to ensure they properly recover before the business end of the season.

NSW (28) slipped 11 points behind the table-topping Reds and six points out of the top six with their first Templeton Cup loss in seven years but do have home games against three bottom-half sides and a bye in the next month.

But the loss of Mitchell, arguably the form winger in the country, is a massive blow.

While the Wallabies have plenty of pace and depth in their wing ranks for the World Cup, Mitchell is irreplaceable for the Waratahs who struggled to create in attack and break the Reds line.

The 55-Test flyer suffered one of the most sickening injuries seen in Super Rugby when he stumbled awkwardly as Scott Higginbotham veered into his path while chasing a Luke Burgess kick.

He screamed in anguish as his right foot stuck out on a 90-degree angle before medics could sedate him and put his ankle back in place.

"His form has been outstanding and to lose a quality player like him just adds to the list we've accumulated this season," said NSW coach Chris Hickey.

"We have some depth there and we'll just have to dig into that.

"We're just halfway through the competition ... and we have a block of three home games which we have to make the most out of before we go to South Africa (to play the Sharks and Bulls)."

While Higginbotham should have been penalised for a professional foul, NSW opted against citing the Reds No.8 as his intent was not malicious.

Queensland also suffered some significant battle damage with Digby Ioane (facial laceration) and Ben Daley (broken nose) in doubt for Saturday night's match against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Both Rod Davies (knee) and James Slipper (collarbone) also look unlikely to return after missing the Suncorp Stadium grudge match.

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