YORK KNIGHTS could be without veteran forward Jordan Thompson for several months with a torn bicep.
Thompson suffered the injury in their Super League home defeat to Warrington Wolves last Friday.
The 34-year-old is in his fifth season with York, amassing 130 appearances, as has continued to have a vital role at loose-forward in their opening four top-flight games.
“He’s got a torn bicep, so he’s going to have surgery on that,” said Knights head coach Mark Applegarth.
“It’s very unfortunate. It’s the first injury I can remember Jordy having – he’s pretty robust.
“But what a big boost it’ll be for us when he’s back in a couple of months’ time.
“All teams this year will get injuries to key personnel, but we want to be an adaptable team. It’s a great opportunity for someone else to showcase their talents.
“No one will replace Jordy for us, it’s as simple as that. We’ll adapt how we play slightly and we’ll crack on.”
In more positive news, Ata Hingano is expected to return to contention for Saturday’s Challenge Cup home tie with Keighley Cougars.
The halfback has been sidelined by a calf injury since kicking the winning field-goal in York’s opening Super League win over Hull KR last month.