NRL: Ropati out for season

Warriors centre Jerome Ropati's knee injury will rule him out for the rest of the season. Photo / Getty Images.

Warriors centre Jerome Ropati's knee injury will rule him out for the rest of the season.

It was initially hoped the 27-year-old would face six to eight weeks out of action after dislocating the patella in his left knee 33 minutes into last Saturday night's 10th-round encounter with the Sydney Roosters.

However, after having scans this week, it has today been confirmed he needs surgery to repair his knee, the same one he had season-ending surgery on early last season after his ACL injury.

Ropati, who had just been signed on a one-year deal for the 2013 season, vowed to recover from his latest setback.

"It's hugely disappointing to have another serious injury and to know the season is over for me for the second year in a row," Ropati said.

"I'd worked really hard to come back from my knee surgery last year. Now I'll just have to do it all over again.

"I'll have the surgery, recover from it and do everything to be right for next season. Otherwise I'll be there to help the team and the club in any way I can."

Warriors head coach Brian McClennan said Ropati's setback was a major blow for all concerned.

"It's devastating for Jerome. He was doing such a good job for us coming back from his knee injury last year," he said.

"He's really important for us around the team and the club with his experience and his attitude.

"This is another setback for him and for everyone around the club but Jerome is the kind of person who will fight his way back from this. We'll all be there to support him and help him recover."

The latest injury has limited Ropati's 10th NRL season to only eight appearances after just three last year.