An ankle injury has ruled Cheyse Blair out for the remainder of the 2017 season.

The 25-year-old left the field during the first half of last Saturday’s game against Parramatta. Further scans on Tuesday and consultation with medical staff today confirmed a fracture in his right ankle.

He will undergo surgery next Monday and will be available for the start of pre-season training in November.

Blair had cemented himself in Craig Bellamy’s side this season, playing 13 games and scoring five tries.

Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi said that while the news was disappointing, the Club will support Cheyse through his rehab ahead of his return to the field.

“Cheyse was having a good follow up season to last year when he played in the Grand Final, so to see his year cut short is extremely disappointing.

“However knowing the character that he is, Cheyse will throw everything into his rehab to return strongly in 2018.

“Given the depth we have shown during the Origin period, the challenge is now there for our younger players to step up and continue the promising signs they have shown.”

Storm have the bye this weekend before travelling to Canberra to take on the Raiders on July 22.