massive blow to Warriors season

[Super Cronk]

New Zealand Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon is likely to be sidelined for the 2008 NRL season after scans today revealed anterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee.


The 27-year-old McKinnon left the field with a knee injury midway through the first half of last Friday night's trial against Newcastle at North Harbour Stadium.
"At the time and again at our medical review the following day, there didn't seem to be anything seriously wrong," said Warriors doctor John Mayhew.

"Our assessment was that Wade would be ready to play again in three or four weeks.
"But the results of the scans took us by surprise. On the basis of what we've seen now, it's almost certain Wade will need a knee reconstruction and that would put him out for the season."

Mayhew said knee specialist Barry Tietjens would operate on McKinnon next week.
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said the prospect of being without McKinnon was a major blow.

"It's obviously disappointing for Wade but also for the team, the club and the fans," he said.

"Wade was tremendous for us last year and had trained really well again throughout the summer but sadly that's the way things work out in football sometimes. In these circumstances, you just have to get on with it.

"What it means is that there's now a huge opportunity for someone to take that spot and we have confidence in the depth we have at the club to cover situations like this."
McKinnon joined the Warriors last season after 77 games for South Sydney and Parramatta since 2002. He added 22 matches last year, leaving him on 99 games and on target to make his 100th appearance in the side's season-opening clash against premiers the Melbourne Storm on March 17.

The Warriors have a trial against an Auckland Vulcans selection at Henham Park in Otahuhu this Saturday before their final build-up match against Manly at Quad Park on Queensland's Sunshine Coast on February 29.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4408451a1823.html

[DIEHARD]

Devastating loss for the Warriors and rugby league fans. He has a fantastic season in 2007. I was really hoping his injury wouldn't be that severe.

[Super Cronk]

Was the best for the warriors last year...and up there with best in the comp aswell. Bloody ACL's, who needs em!

[Warrior00]

Yep, that pretty much sums it up

[Capital_Shark]

Well that sucks!

I enjoyed watching McKinnon play last year. Easily one of the best supporting fullbacks having a field day running off the big skillful Warriors pack who love an offload.

With the competition as tight as it is, its devasting to lose your x-factor player that is odds on to clinch the tight ones. McKinnon done it for the Warriors many times in 07, as did Bowen, Slater and Stewart. I know Brett Kearney would have come in handy for my mob with all those close losses.

[TITAN PETE]

I think most of us Titans supporters have a strong liking for Mckinnon as he would have been a Titan if not for the cry baby Turner & it's tragic news for the Warriors who would've been a definate top 4 team but without there best player from 07 it will be much tougher.

[Meh]

I was really looking forward to seeing the Warriors 1-5 this year...would have been lethal.

At least they might gain some favor with the refs now!

[patskE]

tbh he was the best player in the nrl early 2007, no one could tackle him
big loss for spectators. always great 2 watch

[~lee~]

A huge shame for Wade, he is a quality player and is so unfortunate to pick up this injury. He must be pretty low at the moment. As for the Warriors, not having his safe hands under a high ball could hurt them, maybe they can unearth a new player on us now.

[redback71]

a huge loss and damn dissapointing