NRL: Lillyman faces three month injury layoff

New Zealand Warriors prop Jacob Lillyman. Photo / Greg Bowker

Prop Jacob Lillyman faces probable surgery and three months on the sideline after damaging his right bicep in the Warriors' opening NRL trial against the Gold Coast Titans at North Harbour Stadium last night.

The 27-year-old Queensland State of Origin forward was forced off the field after just 10 minutes, and club doctor John Mayhew today confirmed the 124-game NRL veteran had torn his right bicep off the tendon at the elbow.

"It's probable he'll have surgery this week," Dr Mayhew said.

"With this type of injury he faces three months on the sideline."

Lillyman was a key contributor in the Warriors' successful campaign last year, appearing in 26 of the club's 28 matches.

"It's a real blow to lose Jake and it's especially tough for him," Warriors' head coach Brian McClennan said.

"It's disappointing knowing how hard he's worked during the off-season and how well he's prepared but I know our medical staff will do everything they can to give him the best possible treatment and get him back just as soon as possible."

With Lillyman set to be out of contention until the end of April, McClennan said several contenders were in line to replace Lillyman for the Warriors' season-opening encounter with Manly at Eden Park on March 4.

He said they'd be given every opportunity to push their claims in the next two trials against South Sydney (February 11) and Sunshine Coast (February 18).

While news of Lillyman's injury was a blot on the day it didn't completely detract from a display that provided plenty of encouragement for first-year coach McClennan and the team.

Warriors 26 (Konrad Hurrell, Lewis Brown, Shaun Johnson, Glen Fisiiahi, Bill Tupou tries; James Maloney 3 cons).
Gold Coast Titans 10 (Joe Vickery, Jamie Dowling tries; Jordan Rankin con). HT: 20-6.