New Zealand’s depth to be tested even more in the wake of latest injury.
The New Zealand Warrior’s season has gone from bad to worse, with the news prop Steve Rapira will play no further part in 2013 after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.
Rapira suffered the injury to his right knee playing for the Auckland Vulcans in the NSW Cup and will require reconstructive surgery.
The 24-year-old was just back on the field and looking to regain match fitness after being out of action due to plastic surgery to repair an ear injury suffered in Warriors’ round three loss to Cronulla.
“It’s a tough game we’re involved in but it’s really disappointing for all concerned when players have their seasons ended like this,” Warriors coach Matthew Elliott said
“No question we’re having our share of injuries.
“We’ve got a lot of players on the injury list. It’s testing our depth but it’s also giving players more exposure at NRL level.”
Added to Rapira’s injury is a broken leg to Sio Siua Taukeiaho which will see him miss at least six weeks, along with Manu Vatuvei and Dane Nielsen who will miss the Warriors next game when they play Melbourne.
Vatuvei just returned from injury and will now miss the next three weeks due to a sternum complaint while Nielsen has a rib problem.
Amongst the raft of injuries for the Warriors is some good news with Jacob Lillyman and Pita Godinet set to line up against the premiers.
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