JOE WARDLE could be sidelined for up to 10 weeks.
Scans have this week confirmed the full extent of the groin and abdominal damage the 20-year-old Huddersfield Giants centre suffered during the 38-34 Magic Weekend defeat to Salford 11 days ago.
It was initially hoped the three-quarter’s spell on the sidelines would be brief.
But the club’s worst fears have now been realised and Wardle is set to undergo more tests to assess whether surgery is required.
It’s obviously bad news for the player and for the Giants, with head coach Nathan Brown hoping that when Wardle does return he’ll continue to grow as a major Super League prospect.
“This is a real blow for Joe,” said Brown.
“He’s been putting in some very good and consistent performances for us, and those performances have been improving all the time.
“it’s likely he’ll need to undergo an intense period of rehabilitation to solve the problem rather than surgery.
“But whatever it takes, we hope Joe will get back to fitness as quickly as possible and continue to develop as a top young player.”
As well as missing a large chunk of the second half of the Super League season, it means Wardle is also ruled out of the England Knights summer programme.
The Knights’ squad to face Ireland on Saturday week at St Helens will be announced today, when fellow Giants Dale Ferguson, Larne Patrick and Jermaine McGillvary will hope to be given the nod to feature.
At the same time, Danny Brough, Eorl Crabtree and Leroy Cudjoe will hope to be named in the England squad to face the Exiles at the same venue on the same day.
