SIMON FINNIGAN will miss the start of Super League XV.

The 27-year-old Giants back-row forward has undergone surgery on a troublesome neck injury which plagued him throughout 2009.

It means the former Bradford Bulls man will be sidelined until next March. But head coach Nathan Brown has admitted there was really no other choice.

“Finny has been doing it tough since he joined us,” said Brown.

“He’s been struggling with the neck problem all year and it was always going to be important to get the surgery done.

“It’s obviously disappointing he’ll miss the start of next season, but I’m sure it’ll be worth it.

“Because he was playing for Ireland in last Autumn’s World Cup, he hasn’t had a real break and that’s taken its toll on his body.

“As a result, I think we’ve only seen him playing at around 75-80% this season.

“So, hopefully after surgery and after a bit of a rest, we’ll be able to see the best of Simon Finnigan next season.”

Finnigan is one of a number of Giants’ players who have had operations ahead of the next Super League season.

They include Stephen Wild, who has undergone a knee procedure.

New signing Brad Drew will also have knee surgery next month.

The Australian has needed the treatment for a year, and Brown is confident the inspirational hooker will be fully fit when the new season gets under way.

“Brad struggled on with the injury throughout the year, and we all know how much he’ll benefit from having a repair,” added Brown.