KONRAD Hurrell's season is probably over after Saints head coach Paul Wellens explained that the Tongan test centre requires neck surgery.
The big-hitting centre has not featured since the Salford away game four weeks ago.
Hurrell had been seeking medical advice on the issue, but Wellens today revealed the diagnosis meaning the centre is likely to be out for the remainder of the campaign.
Wellens said: "Konrad has a neck issue which is going to require surgery.
"In terms of 2024, that is probably season done for him – so the immediate future is not great.
"But when you are talking something as serious as that, then you have to respect the situation we are in there.
"It is important that Konrad gets the surgery and gets the repairs done that are required.
"It is hugely disappointing for us as a team and as a club, but even more so for Konrad who really loves playing for this team.
"He is disappointed that he can’t help us finish the season but we will support him like we do every player that picks up a serious injury and hope that he makes a good recovery."
Hurrell, who turns 33 in a fortnight's time, is off-contract at the end of the season.
He has scored 26 tries in 63 appearances - but it is not inconceivable that he may have played his last in the red vee.
But speaking in the Saints media conference Wellens explained it was not the appropriate time or place to discuss Hurrell's future.
Wellens said: "We need to have a sit down with Konrad, what does the surgery look like and what does the recovery look like?
"But we will always be up front and honest with each other how we progress moving forward, but it is probably too soon to give any definitive answers on that (his future)."
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