The Kiwis and Penrith front-rower Sam McKendry will not require surgery after fracturing his neck on Monday night - but a return date to the NRL is still uncertain.
McKendry, who has played seven tests for New Zealand, sustained a stable C6 vertebrae fracture during the Panthers' round seven win over Parramatta.
The 23-year-old on Friday saw a specialist who confirmed McKendry did not need an operation on the injury.
