Ballin would be looking at a comeback around April or May next year if he is to undergo normal surgery to repair the ligament.
With the Sea Eagles signing Apisau Korisau and boom Broncos rookie Matt Parcell for next season they are already well stocked for hookers.
There’s been speculation the 31-year-old has been told he is free to look around in the hope of landing a deal at a rival club.
That will now become a lot more difficult given his age and injury, meaning he is likely to at least start 2016 at Brookvale.