The Storm have suffered a big blow with young star Scott Drinkwater taken from the field in Saturday’s trial with a suspected torn pec.

Drinkwater is vying for Billy Slater’s vacated No.1 jersey alongside Jahrome Hughes, and looked to have won the battle after being picked to start against the Cowboys at Mackay on Saturday night.

However, the 21-year-old succumbed to injury late in the game, and the Storm tweeted that the “early assessment is a torn pec”.

If it’s the worst case scenario and Drinkwater requires surgery, he could spend up to three months on the sidelines.

But even if he doesn’t need to go under the knife, the injury opens the door for Hughes who played a handful of games at fullback for the Storm last season.

In other injury news, Manu Ma’u is a huge concern for the Eels.

The Tongan back-rower twisted awkwardly in a tackle during Parramatta’s trial win over the Panthers, and was helped from the field after clutching his knee with eight minutes to go.

There is early speculation he suffered an MCL injury, which could see him miss up to six weeks of action.

Ma’u was in dynamic form prior to the injury too. Laying on two tries, with some neat ball-playing.

George Jennings also picked up a knee injury, coach Brad Arthur said the winger wasn’t too bad.

Elsewhere, Sharks centre Josh Dugan went for a big hit on Mitchell Pearce but came off second best in a head clash. He was taken from the field looking very groggy.

Dragons prop Paul Vaughan was also suspected to have suffered concussion after a heavy collision.