WARRINGTON WOLVES youngster Luke Thomas has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture for the second time in his short career.
The prop suffered the injury in Warrington’s victory at Hull FC last Saturday, the 17th appearance of his most productive season yet with the club.
Thomas, 23, previously missed the entire 2024 campaign after the same rupture in a pre-season fixture.
This time he has damaged the ligament in his other knee, and the typical nine-month rehabilitation programme will see him sidelined until late next season.
“It’s very unfortunate,” said Wolves coach Sam Burgess. “It’s the worst bit of news to get as a player.
“He’s a great lad and very resilient. He’s not complaining too much – he’ll have to get on with it.
“Over the next few months, there might be a couple of days where he’s a bit frustrated, but he’s been here before and he’ll be alright.”
Having played only 15 first-team games in four seasons going into this one – and had loan spells with six different clubs – Wales international Thomas has emerged as an important figure for the revitalised Wolves this term.
All but two of his appearances have been as a starter, typically alongside Liam Byrne.
That’s helped Warrington keep their aspirations for a high finish in the Super League table on track despite the absence of Luke Yates since May with a neck injury.
Yates is set to make his return in Saturday’s game at play-off rivals Wakefield Trinity, likely from the bench.
Fellow prop Joe Philbin has been ruled out for that match and the final-round home fixture with Toulouse Olympique due to a minor injury, also suffered against Hull.
But he is expected to return for the play-offs, as Wire bid to reach the Grand Final for the first time in eight years.
So is halfback Ewan Irwin, who has been discovered to have a foot fracture.