NZ Warriors' injury woes have taken another nasty turn, with news that star prop Addin Fonua-Blake will miss an extended period of time with a knee injury.
On Sunday, the Tonga international hobbled from the field after just 13 minutes of the Warriors' 32-12 loss to the Sydney Roosters.
Fonua-Blake wasn't named in the squad to play Manly Sea Eagles on Friday and now further tests have put his recovery at a minimum of 6-8 weeks.
"He's got a couple of problems," says Brown. "He certainly won't be playing for an extended period."
Fonua-Blake's situation compounds the Warriors' substantial injury concerns, with first-choice players Euan Aitken, Chanel Harris-Tavita, and Peta Hiku already facing lengthy layoffs.
Suspension has forced Bunty Afoa out of this week's clash with the Sea Eagles, while Jamyane Taunoa-Brown serves the final week of his three-game ban for a crusher tackle.
Tohu Harris will shift into the front-row on Friday to help plug that gap, with Bayley Sironen moving into the second-row.
Reports came out on Friday that the big prop might be out for even longer with Warriors consultant Phil Gould tweeting that he faces a long road back, saying it was "terrible news.
"Serious injury results in long period on sidelines. But that’s football. Addin will heal & come back even better," Gould wrote. "He has been wonderful for the club. #leader. Presents a chance for another player to step up & do job."
Newshub contacted the Warriors for comment and they denied the news and said there was nothing new to report from what was said on Wednesday.
"Whether that's an eight-week period or longer, we're not sure yet. You're certainly not going to see him anytime soon."
Brown is awaiting specialist reports to determine the exact nature of Fonua-Blake's issues.
"It's at least a 6-8 week injury from what we know, but there's a couple of bits of different damage in there," he adds.
"Until we get reports from a couple of different specialists I'd only be guessing, but it's certainly not a short-term injury."
Fonua-Blake's situation compounds the Warriors' substantial injury concerns, with first-choice players Euan Aitken, Chanel Harris-Tavita, and Peta Hiku already facing lengthy layoffs.
Bunty Afoa will also be out of action against the Sea Eagles due to suspension, with Jamayne Taunoa-Brown serving the final week of his three-game ban for a crusher tackle.
Tohu Harris will shift to prop this weekend, with Bayley Sironen coming into the second row.
Join us at 8pm Friday for live updates of the Warriors v Sea Eagles NRL clash
