Cowboys' Nanai out for four to six weeks

The Cowboys expect the second-rower to miss between four and six weeks, meaning he may not return until the NRL finals if the in-form seventh-placed Cowboys qualify.

The injury will test the Cowboys' depth in the forward pack for Sunday's intrastate clash with Gold Coast.

Todd Payten's side is already missing luckless second-rower Heilum Luki to a facial injury and will not have him back until round 23.

Highly-rated rookie Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is expected to replace Nanai for at least this weekend after impressing from the bench since making his debut in round 10.