NRL: Warriors lock has no Luck

Micheal Luck. Photo / Getty Images

Micheal Luck's NRL season appears over after he was stretchered from the field last night with a gaping wound above his left knee.

The indefatiguable Warriors lock was taken by ambulance to an operating theatre at Royal North Shore Hospital so the 18cm-wide gash, which left flesh and muscle exposed, could be cleaned and sewn up.

Luck collapsed behind the tryline after he was accidentally raked by the boot of Manly second rower Anthony Watmough in the 68th minute of the Sea Eagles 19-16 victory.

The Sea Eagles enforcer did not escape unscathed from the collision either. He limped off after twisting an ankle.

Luck won't be available for the Warriors match against the Broncos in Auckland on Friday night, even if he avoids infection. The Warriors end their regular season against Parramatta the following weekend.

Luck was taken from the field with his knee swathed in a towel and Warriors doctor John Mayhew confirmed the extent of the injury. A flap of skin covering almost the width of his thigh appears to be missing while the muscle is clearly exposed.

"It's a massive laceration," Mayhew said. "The sprigs have gone down and raked it. It will be cleaned up in theatre and then they'll explore to make sure there's no muscle underneath."

Mayhew had seen only one similar injury during his career, when Wallabies fullback Andrew Leeds was rucked by prop Richard Loe.

Mayhew said Luck's season was not necessarily over, only because of his durability.

"He's a pretty tough rooster. I'd say at least a couple of weeks but, at this stage, all bets are off. He's come back from some horrific injuries."

Luck's demise compounded a disappointing visit for the Warriors, who missed an opportunity to confirm their berth in the post-season.

"It was a good close game, nothing in it, and it's disappointing to lose when that's the case," Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said. He conceded the Warriors hopes of securing home advantage by finishing in the top four had been dented.

- NZPA