League: Injured Hohaia could be out six weeks

Lance Hohaia faces up to six weeks off the field. Photo / Greg Bowker

Warriors utility Lance Hohaia faces three to six weeks on the sidelines after sustaining knee ligament damage during their opening round National Rugby League win over Parramatta.

He and second-rower Ben Matulino (ankle, two to three weeks) were the two injury casualties in the washup of the team's 26-18 win over the Eels in Auckland on Saturday.

Warriors doctor John Mayhew said a scan yesterday revealed Hohaia had ruptured the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Mayhew said Hohaia would not need surgery and would be expected to be available again before the end of April.

Hohaia's impact will be missed against defending champions Manly in Sydney on Sunday.

Coming off the bench in his 121st NRL appearance, Hohaia was on the field for 10 minutes either side of halftime against the Eels, but scored two tries before being forced off with his knee complaint.

Matulino, 20, lasted only 14 minutes against the Eels but didn't require a scan on a high sprain of his right ankle. Mayhew said further assessment of the injury indicated Matulino would probably be available again in either the fourth or fifth round of the competition.

The team to face Manly will be named today.

- NZPA