Warriors prop Sione Lousi will be sidelined for six months after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Saturday’s NRL trial against the Gold Coast Titans at Burleigh Heads.
Lousi, 23, was used off the bench in the 24-42 loss to the Titans and was carried off the field in the 52nd minute after reeling away from a hit-up near the Titans’ line.
Warriors doctor John Mayhew said scans on Monday had dashed hopes Lousi’s injury may have been limited to posterior cruciate ligament damage.
“He’ll have surgery in about two weeks once the swelling has gone down,” Dr Mayhew said.
Warriors coach Matthew Elliott says everyone at the club feels for Lousi.
“It’s devastating for him but he’ll have every support we can give him,” Elliott said.
“We’ll ensure he’s kept occupied throughout and have every hope we’ll get him back on the field before the end of the season.”
Lousi played 22 of the Warriors’ 24 games last season, boosting his career tally to 31 since his debut in 2012.