Hape could be out for six months

The 25-year-old could be out for six months after rupturing cruciate ligaments in his left knee on Saturday.

He could also miss this autumn's Test Series against Great Britain.

"It's possible he could be back if we get to the play-offs but it's five to six months at least," said Bradford boss Steve McNamara.

"We're really, really disappointed to lose him like this - he's obviously choked and cut up."

Shonny's recovered from two cruciate ops on the other knee and we're sure he'll recover from this one Bulls boss Steve McNamara

Hape was the Bulls' leading scorer last season when he was an ever-present.

He has scored 78 tries in 114 games since joining the Yorkshire club from Auckland Warriors in 2003 and has formed a devastating partnership with Lesley Vainikolo.

Hape has a history of knee trouble, and has twice suffered serious cruciate ligament damage to his right knee, missing most of Bradford's 2005 campaign as a result of the second injury.

606: DEBATE Not good news for Bradford - how will Evans cope as replacement? BG

McNamara added: "Shonny's recovered from two cruciate ops on the other knee and we're sure he'll recover from this one."

James Evans, Bradford's close-season signing from Wakefield, is the obvious replacement when the Bulls face Castleford in the Carnegie Challenge Cup on Friday.