Wigan forward Gareth Hock has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
The 21-year-old second row - Super League's Young Player of the Year in 2003 - damaged medial ligaments in the Warriors' 28-27 loss to Bradford Bulls.
He will undergo reconstruction surgery and represents the latest injury setback for Wigan.
"Gaz won't play this year - he's got medial damage and needs an operation," said Wigan coach Denis Betts.
The injury to Hock follows the loss of skipper Andy Farrell - also sidelined with a knee injury - and the enforced retirement of Australian prop Luke Davico.
The Warriors have also been without Brian Carney and stand-off Danny Orr, who suffered a worrying shoulder injury in Sunday's 32-20 win at Widnes.
"We think he's popped an AC joint (where the shoulder blade and collarbone come together)," said Betts.
Home~RS~a~RS~Domestic~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~20~RS~){kind=small}
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
Is it such a massive blow to the Warriors?
