Wigan forward Gareth Hock has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. The 21-year-old second row - Super League's Young Player of the Year in 2003 - damaged medial ligaments in the Warriors' 28-27 loss to Bradford Bulls.
He will undergo reconstruction surgery and represents the latest injury setback for Wigan.
"Gaz won't play this year - he's got medial damage and needs an operation," said Wigan coach Denis Betts.
The injury to Hock follows the loss of skipper Andy Farrell - also sidelined with a knee injury - and the enforced retirement of Australian prop Luke Davico.
The Warriors have also been without Brian Carney and stand-off Danny Orr, who suffered a worrying shoulder injury in Sunday's 32-20 win at Widnes.
"We think he's popped an AC joint (where the shoulder blade and collarbone come together)," said Betts.
"It looks as though he could be out for three or four weeks."
MMIX
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Is it such a massive blow to the Warriors?