Blake Ferguson says the injury which threatens to end his season will be a "test" to see where he is at mentally.
Ferguson suffered ligament damage to his right foot in Sunday's win against the Canberra Raiders, resulting in the centre leaving the field in the second half. He will be sidelined for at least four months.
The 25-year-old will undergo surgery on Tuesday and is expected to be unavailable until at least July, ruling him out of the State of Origin series.
"It'll be a test to see where I'm at," Ferguson said. "I'm going to be working my arse off to get back as soon as possible. Sixteen weeks, I'll be working hard in the gym to get back as soon as possible for the boys.
"I bet you guys (the media) will speculate that I'm going to play up again but it's not going to happen."
The Roosters centre left Allianz Stadium on crutches and in a moon boot after picking up the injury against his former club.
Ferguson, who scored a try in the opening half, was attempting to get around former centre partner Jarrod Croker to collect his second four-pointer when he picked up the injury.
He tried to play on through the pain before he eventually succumbed to the injury in the 58th minute.
"I'm pretty devastated," Ferguson said. "Everything happens for a reason. Four months, surgery tomorrow (Tuesday) which will be a good test for myself.
Ferguson suffered a similar injury to his opposite ankle while training during his exile from the game last year.
"It's not as bad," Ferguson said. "It'll take a little bit of time but I'm sure I'll do everything right and I'll be there.
with Michael Chammas
