League: Skipper’s injury tempers Warriors’ elation

Warriors captain Steve Price could face a long stint on the sidelines after yesterday’s knee injury. Picture / Kenny Rodger

The New Zealand Warriors got a monkey off their back when they beat Wests Tigers 21-4 in atrocious conditions in Auckland yesterday, but victory came at a cost.

Influential skipper Steve Price limped off early in the second half with a knee injury and could face a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

"It looks serious," coach Tony Kemp said.

"We will know more about it tomorrow, although it's not looking any good at this stage."

Price, man-of-the-match during Queensland's dramatic State of Origin win in midweek, had again been helping to lay the platform for the Warriors up front when he had to go off.

The prop's injury at Ericsson Stadium tempered the Warriors' delight in completing back-to-back victories for only the second time since the 2003 playoffs.

Price has been in outstanding form for the Warriors this season, consistently being among the top performers in metres gained and tackling statistics.

His on-field leadership has also been a big factor.

Price missed last year's Grand Final after being injured in the Bulldogs 30-14 preliminary final win over Penrith last September.

He had surgery on medial ligament damage on his left knee in October before joining the Warriors for pre-season training.

Shin splint injuries to his right leg meant he missed the Warriors pre-season trial matches.

He sat out early Origin training sessions last week to rest a back injury, as is his routine with the Warriors early each week.

"We got a monkey off our back - it's the two-in-a-row you've all been looking for," said Kemp after the match, most of which was played in a monsoon-like downpour.

"It's been a bit like that this year. We've had a few of the little gorillas hanging around us and we got to shove another one off us."

- NZPA