Defender Ben Rutten will have foot surgery this week to relieve plantar fasciitis.

Rutten, 28, is expected to return to full training in six weeks.

Football operations general manager Phil Harper said he was confident the All Australian full-back would take his place in the team to play Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium in round one.

“Ben’s had some issues with his foot over the pre-season,” Harper said.

“Recently, it had improved and he was able to resume full training, but unfortunately it flared up again last week and the Club medical staff in conjunction with Ben have decided that surgery is now the best option.

“It’s not ideal, but given the short period of time in which Chris Knights and Jason Porplyzia were both able to recover from the same surgery we are confident Ben will be right to play in round one of the premiership season.”