Likely surgery places Lilo's season in doubt

Serge Lilo's season appears over before it begins with a serious pectoral injury likely to require surgery that will rule him out of Wellington's NPC campaign.

Lions halfback Alby Mathewson will also miss the side's season opener against Tasman tomorrow, after rolling an ankle at All Blacks training in Melbourne on Thursday.

Mathewson's injury is not thought to be serious, but Lilo received bad news after scans showed serious damage was caused at the squad's live training session last Monday.

The 25-year-old will see a surgeon on Monday and, if he requires an operation, will be out for several months.

Lilo played for the Blues during the Super 14, but returned to his home province for the domestic season and was set to add to his 46 Wellington caps.

The injury represents a continuation of bad luck for the Northern United loose forward, who missed the 2008 Super 14 and part of the 2009 NPC after two serious knee injuries.

His latest injury gives Wests Roosters openside Scott Fuglistaller a chance to grab the No7 jersey for the season and add to his 26 provincial caps.

But it also exposes the Lions' depth at openside, with Old Boys University youngster TJ Ioane one of three Wellington College products thrust on to a raw-looking reserves bench.

The others are Marist St Pat's prop Reg Goodes, originally from South Africa, halfback Jared Kahu, a former North Queensland Cowboys rugby league signing, and first-five Hayden Cripps.

Coach Jamie Joseph admitted he was "dabbling" in unknown waters with some of the reserves at this level, but was confident they were all up to the task. "That's what this competition is all about."

Mathewson's absence means a start for veteran Ruki Tipuna, who came to Wellington last season from Bay of Plenty.

Joseph said Mathewson "probably could have played" against Tasman but would not be risked so early in the season.

Encouragingly, talented utility back Charlie Ngatai reappears on the bench after missing a portion of the pre-season with high blood pressure.

- © Fairfax NZ News