The Warriors have suffered a blow with hooker Karl Lawton likely to miss much of the NRL season after Achilles tendon surgery.
The 25-year-old posted a photograph on social media on Saturday, showing himself in a wheelchair with his left leg heavily bandaged.
“Well well well we meet again Mr Surgeon,’’ Lawton said.
He suffered the Achilles injury during pre-season training at the Warriors’ New South Wales hub.
Phyisotherapist and injury analyst Brien Seeney said on his NSW Physio Twitter page that Achilles surgery required a five-to-eight-month recovery period, meaning Lawton “won’t be fit til mid-late season at best’’
Lawton’s injury leaves Wade Egan as the only specialist hooker at the Warriors with significant first grade experience, leaving new coach Nathan Brown – an ex-NRL hooker himself – in a quandary as who to use as back-up in the dummy half role.
His options have narrowed after the Warriors released Nathaniel Roache, who has since joined the Eels.
Kodi Nikorima, a specialist halfback, and Jazz Tevaga, who has carved out a niche as a starting middle forward, have deputised at dummy half in the past.
Lawton’s absence will be a loss for Brown, with the Gold Coast-born forward proving his utility value by playing hooker, second row and centre.
Brown has already ruled out a move for Kiwis hooker Brandon Smith, who the Melbourne Storm have agreed to release to another NRL club if they can gain a significant player in return.
Speaking to Sydney’s Big Sports Breakfast radio show earlier this month, Brown said he was “extremely happy and confident Wayde Egan can be a 10-year hooker for the Warriors’’ and predicted the club could be “built around him’’.
“We’ve also got Karl Lawton who’s done a terrific job for the club as well. As we stand we’re happy with that position.’’
