Lynch gets it in the neck

Lynch: Sidelined for three months following surgery

The only blessing is I'd rather him miss the first month of the season than the last

Bulls coach Steve McNamara
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Bradford's plans for the new season have been dealt a blow with the news that Andy Lynch will miss the first month as he recovers from neck surgery.

The prop has been troubled by pain in his neck, shoulder and hand, forcing him to miss out on playing for England at the World Cup Down under.

It was hoped rest would cure the problem, but the 29-year-old has now had to go under the knife and will be sidelined for three months.

Coach Steve McNamara admits it is a setback to start the upcoming Super League campaign without Lynch, the club's current player of the year.

Disappointment

"It's a real disappointment to lose Andy, both for himself and for us," McNamara told the club's website.

"Since he's come back from his broken leg and the adversity he had earlier when he missed the 2005 Grand Final, he has just been outstanding.

"The only blessing is I'd rather him miss the first month of the season than the last. It's still not an ideal situation for any of us but there'll be many obstacles along the way next season and you have to get on with it.

"The challenge now is for the rest of the players to make sure they pick up and cover the work Andy does for us."

The loss of the influential Lynch has tempered the good news concerning the fitness of new recruit Nick Scruton and Sam Burgess.

Both props are set to be fit for Bradford's opening fixture against Quins at the Twickenham Stoop on February 8, as is Paul Deacon after the scrum-half underwent minor knee surgery.