INSPIRATIONAL Giants captain Kevin Brown was last night ruled out for the start of the new Super League XVII season.
Scans have revealed the 27-year-old stand-off suffered ligament damage to his right ankle in a freak non-contact accident during training and he could be sidelined for up to a month.
As soon as the ankle began to swell up, Brown was immediately taken for a scan when the club’s worse fears were realised.
The Giants are still hoping their playmaker could return slightly quicker than anticipated.
But he has already been ruled out of the Giants’ Super League XVII opener at Wigan Warriors on Sunday, February 5, when Nathan Brown will send a patched-up side into action.
Joining Brown on the sidelines will be David Fa’alogo (back), David Faiumu (shoulder), Keith Mason (groin), Larne Patrick (wrist), Luke O‘Donnell (knee) and Tony Tonks (suspended).
This latest blow clearly takes all the gloss off the news Aaron Murphy will make his Giants debut in Sunday’s final pre-season clash at Halifax (3.00).
It was initially feared the 23-year-old utility back would be sidelined until mid-March after undergoing major wrist surgery before joining from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at the end of last season.
But the new arrival has proved his fitness and will play at full-back at The Shay.
