Hull KR coach Craig Sandercock says his side has been given a "huge blow" after finding out that Blake Green could miss most of 2012.
Hull KR stand-off could miss most of 2012 season after blood clot
Hull KR coach Craig Sandercock says his side has been given a "huge blow" after finding out that Blake Green could miss most of the 2012 season.
The Australian half-back, who was Rovers' player of the year in his first season with the club in 2011, faces a long lay-off as he recovers from a blood clot in his calf.
The 25-year-old played in last weekend's friendly against Wigan and was preparing for Sunday's derby with Hull when he was taken ill.
The serious nature of the problem was only revealed when Green went for scans after complaining of increased pain and he is now set to undergo surgery.
"It came completely out of the blue. It could have happened to me or you," Sandercock said.
"He's out for a significant period of time. We're still getting some clarification of that. We're probably still coming to terms with how serious the issue is.
Serious
"It could possibly have been life-threatening at one time. It's a serious issue and it's been treated seriously. Our medical staff did a great job in diagnosing him and getting the scans done."
New Rovers boss Sandercock admits the loss of the former Canterbury Bulldogs stand-off is a huge setback for his club with the new Super League season fast approaching.
Green made a big impact in his first year in England, scoring 14 tries and forming an exciting half-back partnership with his former Australian schoolboy team-mate Michael Dobson.
Sandercock added: "It's a huge blow. In my opinion he's one of the best number sixes in Super League.
"He's been training the house down and was set for a massive year. So it's disappointing, but that's rugby league for you. You've got to get on with it."
Responsibilities
Sandercock said the club were unlikely to bring in a new face plug the gap, and admits that Dobson will have to take on much of the playmaking responsibilities.
He said: "Anything is possible but at this stage we're working hard with what we've got available.
"We have a couple of options. We're still toying around with it. The news only came through on Wednesday evening.
"We trained this morning and ran a couple of options. Everyone seems to think Scotty Murrell is the obvious choice but there are other options open to us.
"We'll be trying a couple of different players in that position on Sunday. That's what this weekend is for. I'm very confident in the squad that we've got.
"Dobbo is going to have to take on a lot more responsibility, which he's prepared to do. He's a professional and he's got a job to do."
