KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Warriors suffered a big setback today with news that Wade McKinnon could be out for whole of the upcoming National Rugby League campaign.
Scans have revealed that the fullback, who starred in his debut season for the Warriors last year, has anterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee.
McKinnon left the field with a knee injury midway through the first half of last Friday night's pre-season fixture against Newcastle at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.
Club doctor John Mayhew said the problem had not appeared to be serious at the time or during a medical check the following day.
"Our assessment was that Wade would be ready to play again in three or four weeks," he said.
"But the results of the scans took us by surprise. On the basis of what we've seen now, it's almost certain Wade will need a knee reconstruction and that would put him out for the season."
Mayhew said knee specialist Barry Tietjens would operate on McKinnon next week.
Coach Ivan Cleary said the prospect of being without McKinnon was a major blow, not just for the player, but also for the team, the club and the fans.
"Wade was tremendous for us last year and had trained really well again throughout the summer, but sadly that's the way things work out in football sometimes," he said.
"In these circumstances, you just have to get on with it."
Cleary expressed confidence that there was depth within the club to cover for McKinnon's absence.
McKinnon, 27, joined the Warriors from Parramatta, having played a total of 77 games for South Sydney and the Eels since his first-grade debut in 2002.
He added 22 matches last year, leaving him on 99 and on target to make his 100th NRL appearance in the Warriors' season-opening clash away to defending champions Melbourne on March 17.
- NZPA
