X-rays cleared the star hooker of a fractured ankle however MRI scans have revealed significant ligament damage requiring surgery.

Luff expects to have a better indication of his prognosis after meeting with the surgeon but is shattered by the prospect of a long time on the sidelines.

"There is a lot of damage there," Luff said.

"I've busted a few ligaments and there is a fair mess in there so I'm going to have to see the surgeon and go from there.

"It's a bit of a shame."

Just days after being named in the Country side, Luff rued the timing of the injury in the early stages of Gundagai's win over Temora on Saturday.

"I've been wanting to make the Country side ever since I was a young fella," Luff said.

"Now that they've opened it back up to finally make the Country side was a big opportunity for me and something I've always wanted to do so it's going to be a bit of a blow."

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With James Smart already on the sidelines with a shoulder complaint picked up in Riverina's Country Championships campaign, Gundagai co-coach Luke Berkrey admitted it is another big blow for the premiers.

However the Tigers will have some time to regroup with a bye this weekend.

"It's a huge, huge blow for us as he is the glue to our side, especially through the middle," Berkrey said.

"It's a tough one to take."

Zac Fairall came off the bench and into hooker for Luff on Saturday.

Luff has backed Fairall to fill the void after getting more than he bargained for in his first grade debut last week.

"The Tigers have young Zac Fairall there who went well on the weekend and there is definitely plenty of depth around the club to fill my void," he said.

"I think they will still be thereabouts at the back end of the year for sure."

However Berkrey doesn't want to push the teenager before he's ready.

"Zac is going to get a really good opportunity now whether that is starting or in the 14 role," he said.

"We have a few things to discuss there.

"It's going to be a long season and we still have a fair while to go.

"Zac being a younger kid isn't fully developed into his body yet so there are probably times where we may need to rest him or he pulls up a bit sore as he's a whole-hearted player.

"He defends like no player I've ever seen, he has no respect for his body with the way he plays so he could be a week-to-week proposition or he could just go out there and kill it, which wouldn't surprise to be honest."

Gundagai have an interrupted next month of football with the two byes in the next three weeks.

They won't play this weekend before taking on Albury on May 1.

There is then a general bye for the Canberra Raiders game in Wagga before the Tigers host Brothers on May 16.

Gundagai then have a tough run against Kangaroos, Young and Southcity.