The promising career of young Indigenous rugby player Cody Ramsey has been left in doubt after spending much of the St George-Illawarra preseason in a hospital bed.

After having multiple surgeries to address an immune system malfunction, caused by ulcers and inflammation that affects the bowel and digestive systems, the 22-year-old has been given medical advice to stand out of the game for at least 12 months.

Doctors first diagnosed the Indigenous fullback, who has crossed for 14 tries across 36 matches, with Ulcerative Colitis back in November.

He first experienced symptoms in a 10-kilometre time trial and was taken to hospital immediately before remaining in care for several more weeks.

St George-Illawarra has confirmed Ramsey would not be physically capable of playing this year, but the club was optimistic that he will return in 2024.

"This surgery was successful, however, it will require multiple follow-up procedures over the coming season," Dragons general manager of football Ben Haran told fans on the club's website.

"This means that Cody won't be available to play NRL in the 2023 season.

"Our focus will be on Cody's medical rehabilitation and wellbeing in the first phase.

"From there, we'll work towards what the future looks like for him."

The health of the Molong junior from Wiradjuri country has markedly improved over recent weeks after putting on more than 10 kilograms this month.

But medical experts have reportedly said he will struggle to return to the NRL with a clean bill of health.

Ramsay re-signed a new contract at the end of the 2021 season that continues for two more years.

The club is obligated to pay out his current deal and would only gain salary cap relief should Ramsay announce his retirement based on medical advice.

To earn his wages, an internal role has been created for Ramsay to assist the coaching staff and also the players.

"He's been in and around training with players and coaches recently, and is having a hugely positive impact on all of us at the club," Haran said.

"Cody is a great character, who is one of the most passionate, popular and respected members of our club, and will have a significant impact on the success of the team over the coming season."

Wiradjuri teammate Tyrell Sloan is set to regain the fullback role for the Dragons in Ramsay's absence following an indifferent season and his omission later to their NSW Cup team.