PAUL MARCH is out for the rest of the season!
Giants officials have today confirmed the 26-year-old utility star has suffered a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee and will be sidelined for up to eight months.
March is the second Huddersfield player who will need to undergo a major knee reconstruction, with centre Albert Torrens having suffered a similar fate earlier in the season.
The Giants' initial hopes were that the injury to March, which was picked up during the 42-34 triumph over Catalans Dragons nine days ago, was restricted to cartilage damage.
But the Super League club's worst fears have now been confirmed and they must plan for the rest of the campaign without one of their form players.
"This is a massive blow all round," said coach Jon Sharp.
"It's bad news for the club, but it's even worse news for Paul. We're all really gutted for him.
"He had been showing some excellent form right up until suffering the injury.
"Covering for our injured captain, Chris Thorman, had brought the best out of him and he has been at the heart of some of our best performances this season.
"He's played well at stand-off and hooker for us when called upon and we'll also miss his kicking game.
"He'll be a big loss."
Meanwhile, the speculation is mounting that Giants centre James Evans could be moving to Wigan on loan, with Warriors' utility back Kevin Brown coming to the Galpharm.
And Huddersfield have also been linked with their former hooker, Ryan Hudson, who is currently serving a two-year ban for testing positive for the banned steroid, stanozolol.
The ex-Castleford and Bradford player is clear to resume his career in 2007.
