NRL: Warriors lose young star

Isaac John

The New Zealand Warriors will be without halfback Isaac John for the remainder of the National Rugby League season.

John requires reconstruction surgery on a knee injured in last weekend's gutsy 12-6 with over the Penrith Panthers.

"It's stunning. He was doing so well. He's a good kid ... it's a blow to him and the team," coach Ivan Cleary told Radio Sport today.

John, 21, played the last five matches for the club, with the Warriors winning four of them to improve to sixth place on the standings.

His unavailability has been softened by the return from injury of the experienced Brett Seymour for Saturday's match against Melbourne Storm in Auckland.

Seymour is one of four frontline players returning from injury breaks along with Brent Tate, Lance Hohaia and Kevin Locke.

- NZPA