Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp is clinging to the hope Charlotte Caslick will rejoin the Wallaroos for the business end of the Women's Rugby World Cup after a broken ankle denied the attacking trump a seat on the plane to England.
The Wallaroos flew out of Sydney on Monday for the global showpiece starting on August 22, but Caslick was a conspicuous absentee from the squad while recovering from syndesmosis surgery.
The three-time Olympian and 2016 rugby sevens gold medallist was ruled out after revealing she'd fractured her leg and medics declared she was no chance of featuring in Australia's first two pool games against Samoa and the USA.
"In sport, sometimes the toughest opponent is time," Caslick posted on Instagram.
"I am saddddd and disappointed to share that I won't be joining the girls in England for the RWC.
"Four weeks ago I fractured my fibula and ruptured my syndesmosis.
"We set our sights on pushing a 10-12 week recovery into six, but we decided on Friday it's best for myself and the team to make the call now as I won't be available for the opening rounds."
Caslick was initially included in the squad, before the tough call was made to leave her in Australia.
"I really feel for Charlotte because we know what a brave decision it was. She fully embraced the 15 (a side game)," Yapp said at Sydney airport.
"She threw herself into it wholeheartedly and I have so much respect for her for that, and I hope that this isn't actually the end of her 15s career."
With the Wallaroos needing two wins from their three pool games against Samoa, USA and title favourites England to make the quarter-finals, Yapp says Caslick could still feature if they make the knockout stages starting on September 13.
"That's what we're hoping for," the coach said.
"She continues on an accelerated return. She's not within the 32, so it would require an injury for Charlotte to join us, but if she continues the way she is, then yeah."
The 30-year-old had paused her sevens career, making a full-time switch to the 15-a-side code this year to add clout to the Wallaroos' Cup charge.
Caslick had played five Tests and was beginning to find her feet in the centres, scoring with her first touch against New Zealand before suffering the injury late in that same game last month.
But the backline talent, who last week said rehabilitation was on track, has been replaced by uncapped teenage centre Manu'a Moleka, who joins sister Faitala in the Wallaroos' squad.
"We're really fortunate and excited that Manu'a can join us for the World Cup," Yapp said.
"Manu'a has been part of the touring squad since the start of the international Test season and thoroughly deserves her opportunity."
Australia, whose best result is third in seven Cup appearances, begin their campaign against Samoa in Manchester on August 23.
The Wallaroos then face the USA in York on August 30 and the tournament hosts in Brighton on September 6.