Wednesday 13 September 2017 00:21, UK
Castleford's England scrum-half Luke Gale has undergone an emergency appendix operation, the Super League leaders have announced.
The club say the 29-year-old Tigers vice-captain, who began experiencing pain on Monday evening and had surgery on Tuesday, is in danger of missing the rest of the season.
Gale, who could also be a major doubt for the World Cup, said: "I'm absolutely gutted to be facing surgery at this point in the season.
"This is a freak situation that could happen to anyone at any time and it's just really unfortunate for me that it has happened to me now at such a crucial point in the season.
"Rest assured I'll be doing all I can to aid my recovery with an aim to getting back on the pitch as soon as possible.
"In the meantime, I'll be 100 per cent behind my team-mates in our quest for the Grand Final to top off what has already been a fantastic year."
Tigers head coach Daryl Powell added: "Luke has had surgery relating to his appendix on Tuesday afternoon which will keep him out of immediate action on the field.
"We are hoping for a speedy recovery back to the field before the end of the season."
