The 20-year-old, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, underwent emergency surgery for a detached retina on Tuesday.

He was hurt in Sunday's 32-22 Challenge Cup win at Wakefield.

"This is a massive blow to the player and the club. It's a very serious injury and Paul will have an operation straight away," said boss Ian Millward.

"I really feel for the kid. He has really worked hard to get back to fitness and now he has suffered this huge setback."

Wigan have already lost more than half their pack, with Iafeta Palea'aesina, Scott Logan, Gareth Hock and Harrison Hansen on the casualty list.

And Bryan Fletcher is banned for three games following his appearance before the Rugby League's disciplinary committee on Tuesday evening charged with striking.