Vodafone Warriors hooker Nate Roache’s 2019 season has been cruelly ended by another serious injury.

Scans have confirmed fears the 23-year-old suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee in Sunday’s clash against the Penrith Panthers at Mount Smart Stadium.

Roache’s knee gave way as he made a 20-metre break from dummy half in the 65th minute of the match with the Vodafone Warriors leading 16-12.

He was making sixth appearance of the season and his first appearance since being side-lined with a back complaint in the ninth-round win over St George Illawarra.

Roache is expected to be out of action for six to nine months. He missed the 2018 season following back surgery.