Danny McGuire has ruled out making an early return from a knee injury to help get Leeds Rhinos' Super League title defence up and running.
The Rhinos skipper limped out of the opening match of the 2016 season against Warrington Wolves after a heavy challenge in the first half at Headingley.
Leeds lost that game 12-10 and have not fared any better in their subsequent matches against Widnes Vikings and Catalans Dragons, while they were comfortably beaten 38-4 by North Queensland Cowboys in the World Club Challenge.
Any hopes McGuire could return to help end Leeds' dire run have been quashed by the 33-year-old, who does not expect to return for at least another three weeks.
"It's frustrating when you're injured because you want to be out there playing," he told TotalRugbyLeague.com.
"It's tough at the minute because I want to be doing my bit for the lads but I can't.
"I'm working as hard as I can in the gym and doing everything possible I can to get back on the field. It should be about three or four weeks' time.
"I'm trying to get a date out of the physios, but they're keeping everything close to their chest.
"I've got to take it day by day and see how it improves, but it definitely is improving and I'll be pushing to get back on the field as soon as possible like all lads do."