The New Zealand Warriors have been dealt a blow as the 2012 NRL season draws near – with experienced prop Jacob Lillyman out for three months, following an injury he picked up in their trial win over the Gold Coast Titans.
Lillyman injured his right bicep in the win, and will undergo surgery this week on his torn right bicep – a surgery that is likely to keep him out of action for three months.
John Mayhew, the club doctor at the Warriors, confirmed that Lillyman had indeed torn his right bicep.
“It’s probable he’ll have surgery this week,†he said.
“With this type of injury he faces three months on the sideline.â€
The Warriors will miss Lillyman in their side, with the experienced prop playing in 26 of the 28 games the NZ Warriors were in, over the course of the 2011 NRL season.
“It’s a real blow to lose Jake and it’s especially tough for him,†said Vodafone Warriors head coach Brian McClennan.
“It’s disappointing knowing how hard he has worked during the off-season and how well he has prepared but I know our medical staff will do everything they can to give him the best possible treatment and get him back just as soon as possible.â€