The Canberra Raiders have been dealt a massive blow to their season with star recruit Zac Hosking set to have an extended stint on the sidelines.
Hosking has had an outstanding start to his career at the Raiders since joining from Penrith and has picked up eight Dally M points over the first six rounds.
However, the 27-year-old suffered a dislocated shoulder during the Raiders’ last gasp win over the Titans in Round 6.
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio revealed that Hosking requires surgery and won’t return to the side until July at the latest.
“The Raiders are anticipating that Zac requires surgery,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“It was a dislocation and with that came some damage to the ligament.
“It’s in need of repair via an operation so Zac is heading down that path.
“It is a three to four month recovery process which means that this injury is not completely season ending but it’s a huge chunk and portion of what will be a tricky part to the season.
“State of Origin would certainly play a factor with some of their players.
“Hosking has been phenomenal and has had a great impact in such a short period of time.”
The focus for the Raiders now turns to potential replacements and depth options for Hosking and back rowers.
Canberra has long sought the services of Gold Coast Titans edge forward David Fifita and Riccio said the Raiders are confident they can lure the representative forward to the nations capital.
“In the background, the Raiders have always had an interest to the point where they had him pinned down and that’s David Fifita,” Riccio added.
“The Raiders aren’t the only chasers but Fifita hasn’t re-signed with the Titans and taken up that clause in his contract to go another year.
“The Raiders are not going to chase him because they feel like they’ve done enough.
“They were keen in the past and they are willing to go again now that they are down a backrower.”
Canberra travels to Brisbane in Round 7 to take on the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.