Curran a month off return

AUCKLAND: Warriors second rower Josh Curran is facing another month on the sidelines as he recovers from the knee injury he suffered on Anzac Day.

Curran was forced from the field during the Warriors’ record 7010 loss to the Melbourne Storm and missed last weekend’s goldenpoint win over the Canberra Raiders.

Scans confirmed Curran had sustained a highgrade medial collateral ligament injury to his right knee and would be out of action for at least another four weeks, the club said yesterday.

The Warriors are hopeful the 22yearold will be fit to return against Manly on June 4, a timeline that deals a blow to his State of Origin chances.

New South Wales coach Brad Fittler earlier in the season tipped Curran to be a bolter for his first squad, saying he was ‘‘a real competitor and that is what you want’’.

Curran’s versatility in particular made him an attractive prospect for a spot on the Blues’ bench, given he is capable of playing on an edge or through the middle as a lock forward.

But given the first game in the series is set for June 8, Curran will be seriously underdone even if his rehabilitation goes to plan.

Curran is vying to become the second Warriors player to represent New South Wales after Ryan Hoffman. Kevin Campion, PJ Marsh, Steve Price, Brent Tate and Jacob Lillyman have suited up for Queensland while contracted to the Kiwi club.

Warriors centre Jesse Arthars faces up to four weeks out after being diagnosed with a moderate AC injury to his left shoulder, having suffered the damage against the Raiders.

He is expected to be available again for the round 12 match against Newcastle.

The Warriors play the Cronulla Sharks tomorrow. —