Wests Tigers playmaker Tim Moltzen has avoided another ACL tear, but could still spend up to six months on the sidelines after suffering a broken kneecap at pre-season training on Thursday.

After rupturing the same left knee in round seven this year, the luckless Moltzen would have feared the worst as he was rushed to hospital. A third season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury in four years for the 25-year-old could have potentially jeopardised his playing future. Moltzen faces another stern test of his mental fortitude, but it could have been much worse.

Tim Moltzen is helped from the field during the round seven match against the Brisbane Broncos. The Tigers utility suffered a knee injury at pre-season training. Credit:Anthony Johnson

He will undergo surgery on Friday, with a best-case recovery time of 12 weeks. However, given his history, it's unlikely coach Mick Potter will be able to call on him as a halves option until midway through next year.

Moltzen received support from teammates, the club and also former Australian, NSW and Manly back-rower Nik Kosef, who went through an astonishing four knee reconstructions before retiring aged 27. Kosef said Moltzen's mental state was in more danger than his physical condition, and encouraged the Tigers to take the Terrigal junior's mind off footy.