Bridge changed his international allegiance from Ireland last year

Warrington and England centre Chris Bridge is likely to be ruled out for the season after he undergoes shoulder surgery on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old, who has scored four tries in 16 Super League appearances this season, was hurt in Sunday's 37-30 defeat by Leeds.

But Warrington prop Mike Cooper has signed a new two-year contract with the Challenge Cup holders.

The 21-year-old academy product is now tied to Warrington until 2012.

"We're delighted to be working with Mike again," said coach Tony Smith.

"I'm sure his future is bright with the club. Mike is maturing into one of the real talented forwards in the Super League."

But Smith is unhappy at the loss of Bridge as his team bid to close the four-point gap on leaders Wigan.

"He'll probably not be participating again," said Smith. "It is a big blow - he is, if not the form centre in the competition, very close to it.

"He has had this for some time and it has been coming for ages, it is not like a bombshell that has hit us."

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