Kurt Gidley’s injury-hit 2012 has continued with the Newcastle skipper going under the knife to repair a torn cartilage in his right knee.
The representative playmaker sustained the problem kicking a conversion during his side’s defeat by Melbourne on Friday and he’ll spend up to four weeks on the sidelines.
Ryan Stig is likely to replace the 29-year-old for the Knights’ encounter with Parramatta next Sunday.
It is the second injury Gidley has suffered this season after he dislocated his shoulder in the round two win over Cronulla.
Meanwhile South Sydney star forward Sam Burgess has been officially diagnosed with a grade three medial ligament tear in his left knee.
Burgess, as expected, will be out for six to eight weeks following the injury he picked up against Wests Tigers on Sunday.
“It’s disappointing to lose Sam for a period of time, especially considering the effort he’s put in to get to where he is now,” said Rabbitohs head coach Michael Maguire.
“Knowing Sam as I do now, I’m certain that he will do everything he can to get back on the field as early as possible, and in the best shape possible as well.”
The struggling Tigers were hit with another blow on Monday with inspirational back-rower Gareth Ellis ruled out for three months with a fractured foot.
The England international limped off during the same game and will be assessed by a specialist on Tuesday to determine whether he’ll need surgery.
However, the Tigers, who’ve lost four of their first five games, could receive a surprise boost for Friday’s meeting with Brisbane with prop Keith Galloway in line for an earlier than expected recall after recovering from a foot problem.
Gold Coast Titans trio Greg Bird (ankle), Mark Minichiello (ankle) and Kayne Lawton (hamstring) all had scans on Monday and are unlikely to play against the Sydney Roosters on Saturday.
Bird and Minichiello left Skilled Park on Sunday night after the 30-20 loss to Canterbury on crutches and could be out for extended periods.
Results of the scans would be available on Tuesday.
