Prop Jacob Lillyman is booked in for surgery on Wednesday after confirmation he had his cheekbone broken in the opening seconds of the Vodafone Warriors’ 24th-round match against North Queensland at Mount Smart Stadium last night.
The 31-year-old Lillyman was injured in the first tackle of the game when he collided with Cowboys defenders Ethan Lowe, James Tamou and Justin O’Neill bringing the kick-off back.
He is the third Vodafone Warrior to have season-ending surgery in the last month joining halfback Shaun Johnson (ankle) and wing Manu Vatuvei (shoulder).
Lillyman’s injury will leave the Vodafone Warriors without their two first-choice front rowers for next Sunday’s clash against Wests Tigers with Ben Matulino still suspended.
NRL REHAB ROOM
Glen Fisiiahi (knee) | TBC
David Fusitu’a (knee) | TBC
Ben Henry (knee) | Season
Shaun Johnson (ankle) | Season
Ngani Laumape (knee) | Season
Thomas Leuluai (knee) | Season
Jacob Lillyman (cheekbone) | Season
Manu Vatuvei (shoulder) | Season
