Penrith front-rower Sam McKendry will not require surgery after fracturing his neck on Monday night but a return date to the NRL is still uncertain.

McKendry, who has played seven Tests for New Zealand, sustained a stable C6 vertebrae fracture during the Panthers’ round seven win over Parramatta.

The 23-year-old on Friday saw a specialist who confirmed McKendry did not need an operation on the injury.

But the Panthers said they were unable to speculate when he will return to the field, “with forthcoming results to indicate how long he will be unable to play”.

McKendry has played all seven games so far this season but lasted just 30 minutes before leaving the field against the Eels.