INJURED Giants captain Ben Roarty is to undergo an exploratory operation this week.
The 28-year-old Aussie back row is continuing to struggle with a trapped nerve in his neck and specialists now need to take a closer look.
The surgery obviously means Roarty will remain on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, although the exact length of time depends on the nature of the injury.
But Roarty admits that going under the knife is now the only option left open to him.
"The neck just simply isn't getting any better," he said.
"It's still sore and I've still got a fair bit of numbness in my fingers.
"At this stage, there's just no way I can play, so the specialist wants to take a close look to see exactly what the problem is.
"Surgery is obviously the last thing I want, but if it sorts out the problem then it has to be done."
Injuries are starting to hit the Giants' relatively small squad hard.
Besides Roarty, Test centre Michael De Vere will remain on the sidelines for the next six weeks following surgery on a broken hand.
And just back after knee operations are Stanley Gene and Hefin O'Hare, who were both on the bench for Saturday's bitterly disappointing 24-16 Super League defeat at Salford.
Also missing that day was tough second row Stuart Jones, who picked up an ankle injury in the 40-22 triumph over Wakefield.
He will have to undergo a late fitness test ahead of Sunday's home clash against bottom club Leigh Centurions (3.00).
It's a game that provides the Giants with the ideal opportunity to bounce back after last weekend's horror show at The Willows.
Leigh are rock bottom of the table, with two wins and a draw from their 19 top-flight fixtures.
And after the way the Giants played at Salford on Saturday, the home side will be determined to bounce straight back.
