The Melbourne Rebels have suffered a blow ahead of their match against Super Rugby’s unbeaten front-runners the Hurricanes with winger Dom Shipperley undergoing hand surgery.

Shipperley suffered a fractured hand during the Rebels’ 20-16 loss to the Lions at AAMI Park on Friday night and will be sidelined for up to six weeks.

The 24-year-old had been in impressive form since joining Melbourne from the Reds this season and looked a chance to add to his three Wallabies caps.

Shipperley also suffered a badly fractured and dislocated ankle last season.

The Rebels face Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday night.

Coach Tony McGahan said ex-Waratah Cam Crawford, fullback Jonah Placid, Telusa Veainu and Sefanaia Naivalu were among the contenders to replace Shipperley.

“Dom’s a big loss as he’s been absolutely terrific on and off the field,” McGahan said.

“He’s been able to execute his job as a winger on a really high consistent level each week.

“He’s clearly had a really good season so far but it provides an opportunity for someone else to step up.”

Meanwhile, Rebels playmaker Jack Debreczeni is available for selection this week after missing the Lions game with a minor knee complaint.