HULL FC forward Will Kirby suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) injury in last Friday’s home defeat to Wakefield Trinity.
The homegrown 20-year-old was making only his seventh appearance for the club, and third start, having worked his way into contention via two loan spells with Hunslet.
Head coach Andy Last confirmed the extent of the knee injury, saying: “He’s going to be out for a long period of time. It’s potentially nine months of rehab.
“I’m devastated for Will. It was one which brought a bit of a lump to my throat, if I’m being honest.
“It’s the sad side of this savage sport. Will trains really well and he works hard, he gained my confidence and the trust of his teammates, but then the game found a way to knock him down.”
Hull will also be without loanee Ethan O’Neill for Saturday’s visit of Wigan Warriors due to a minor hamstring strain.
The back-rower is being assessed by parent club Leeds Rhinos, but Last is hopeful he could be available again for their following game, against Hull KR at Magic Weekend.
Zak Hardaker and James Bell are set to return against Wigan after neck and knee injuries respectively.