Vodafone Warriors hooker Nathan Friend will have more shoulder surgery next month to repair nerve damage, forcing him to miss the start of the clubs 2013 NRL season. Photo: Photosport.
Club doctor John Mayhew said it was hoped the 152-game veteran would be ready to play in eight to 10 weeks leaving him in line to make his first appearance of the new campaign in April.
Friend had surgery in late August after dislocating his right shoulder in the 24th-round match against Penrith. He saw a specialist this morning for further assessment of his shoulder.
Hell have a nerve graft next month as a result of damage sustained when he was injured, he said.
Mayhew said it was a rare complication similar to what happened to former Vodafone Warriors back rower Wairangi Koopu in 2006.
Friend made 17 appearances in his debut season with the Vodafone Warriors, missing five games after breaking his jaw against Brisbane and then the final two matches of the year following his shoulder injury.
Its frustrating but all I can do is to have the operation, repair the nerve and do all I can to be ready as soon possible, he said.
Ive been through disappointments due to injuries before. It was tough being out after breaking my jaw last year but you get over it, get on with your recovery and fight your way back. Thats what Ill be doing again as well as supporting the boys throughout the trials and the start of the season.
The Vodafone Warriors start their trials programme in just nine days, facing the Gold Coast Titans at Pizzey Park, Burleigh Heads on Saturday, February 9 (5.15pm kick-off).
They then meet Penrith in Hamilton on Saturday, February 16 (4.00pm kick-off) and Brisbane in Dunedin on Saturday, February 23 (7.30pm kick-off) before their first-round encounter with Parramatta at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday, March 9 (5.30pm kick-off).
Their first home game is against the Sydney Roosters at Eden Park on Saturday, March 16 (7.30pm kick-off). CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR EDEN PARK MATCH
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR HAMILTON TRIAL
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR DUNEDIN TRIAL
Club doctor John Mayhew said it was hoped the 152-game veteran would be ready to play in eight to 10 weeks leaving him in line to make his first appearance of the new campaign in April.
Friend had surgery in late August after dislocating his right shoulder in the 24th-round match against Penrith. He saw a specialist this morning for further assessment of his shoulder.
Hell have a nerve graft next month as a result of damage sustained when he was injured, he said.
Mayhew said it was a rare complication similar to what happened to former Vodafone Warriors back rower Wairangi Koopu in 2006.
Friend made 17 appearances in his debut season with the Vodafone Warriors, missing five games after breaking his jaw against Brisbane and then the final two matches of the year following his shoulder injury.
Its frustrating but all I can do is to have the operation, repair the nerve and do all I can to be ready as soon possible, he said.
Ive been through disappointments due to injuries before. It was tough being out after breaking my jaw last year but you get over it, get on with your recovery and fight your way back. Thats what Ill be doing again as well as supporting the boys throughout the trials and the start of the season.
The Vodafone Warriors start their trials programme in just nine days, facing the Gold Coast Titans at Pizzey Park, Burleigh Heads on Saturday, February 9 (5.15pm kick-off).
They then meet Penrith in Hamilton on Saturday, February 16 (4.00pm kick-off) and Brisbane in Dunedin on Saturday, February 23 (7.30pm kick-off) before their first-round encounter with Parramatta at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday, March 9 (5.30pm kick-off).
Their first home game is against the Sydney Roosters at Eden Park on Saturday, March 16 (7.30pm kick-off). CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR EDEN PARK MATCH
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR HAMILTON TRIAL
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR DUNEDIN TRIAL
