Castleford Tigers coach has confirmed that Frankie Mariano will not play for the club again this season.
Mariano, who has impressed during his runs in the side in 2015, will need a knee operation after picking up a blow during their defeat to Huddersfield two weeks ago.
And Powell has now confirmed the extent of the injury, admitting it is a serious one and that Mariano’s season is over.
“Frankie needs his cruciate reconstructing. It’s a bad injury and he will be out for the season,” he told the Pontefract and Castleford Express.
“It’s a six month period he’s looking at being out of action for and it’s tough for him and tough for us. It’s really disappointing and it’s part of the game sometimes, but Frankie’s had a tough year.”
Powell however, confirmed that the club will support Mariano through his testing time and extensive lay-off.
“We need to keep his chin up and he will get plenty of support from the boys, who have already been rallying round. He’ll get plenty of support as well from everybody at the club.”
