NRL: Ben Henry likely out for season

Warriors player Ben Henry. Photo / Getty Images.

Ben Henry may yet play again this season, though the prospects are surely quite dim.

Warriors' coach Andrew McFadden confirmed today that the second rower will have surgery on Wednesday, to fix patella tendon and kneecap damage sustained during the Warriors 34-26 loss to the Tigers last Saturday evening.

McFadden couldn't put a timeframe on a possible return for the Kiwi international, but confirmed "it will be a while".

It will be Henry's third major knee operation in the last three years, after knee reconstructions in 2015 and 2013.

That track record puts a major question mark on his immediate playing future, given the physical and mental damage he has sustained in his short Warriors career.

"It's a big concern but he's a great kid, he's got a level head," said McFadden. "It's difficult for him to deal with at the moment. These things happen...some players get this happen to them and unfortunately he is one of the unlucky ones but I know about the quality of his character and he'll bounce back."

Even if he returns to training before the end of the season, surely it would make more sense for Henry to return in 2017, and make the most of another pre-season.