Earl suffers tragic setback at Storm training

After four years in exile Sandor Earl has suffered a tragic setback, one week into his NRL comeback with the Melbourne Storm.

The 28-year-old former Panthers and Raiders winger took to Facebook to share the sad news that he has torn his ACL in pre-season training.

Luckily for Earl, he has just signed a one-year contract with the Storm, meaning his short-term future is assured.

However he will get a limited opportunity to impress for another contract, considering his injury will likely rule him out for the vast majority of the 2018 season.

"This is by far my most heartbreaking post to date!" Earl wrote on Facebook.

"Unfortunately yesterday during a skills session I tore my ACL.

"As many of you may know this is the one injury all athletes wish to avoid. It is a freak accident and a tough pill to swallow.

"I couldn't have done anymore in preparation and in effort. I was truly working towards something great this pre season.

"The Melbourne Storm have not only taken me on as a team mate and family but been amazing through this transition and awful news.

"This is not the way I envisioned repaying such an amazing club, however it's not over yet.

"If I hadn't already I'm looking to set new standards to the definition comeback.

"I will now shift my focus to rehab and being the best clubman I can be to return bigger and better and make an impact at this great club.

"I appreciate everyone's support to date. Although some may be upset I can only ask that you push me to new heights to achieve something special over this next period."