It's thumbs down for Seymour

THE Warriors have been dealt a cruel twist of fate and will be without the services of star 2010 signing Brett Seymour for at least six weeks after the halfback pulled out of last night's 30-16 win against the Sharks because of injury.

Seymour broke his left thumb during the second half of last week's loss to the Gold Coast Titans and underwent surgery on Friday.

It is believed he had a pin inserted and will be out for at least six weeks. In reality, it could be more like eight.

But despite the devastating blow, Warriors CEO Wayne Scurrah was putting on a brave face last night.

"He's busted his left thumb," Scurrah said.

"He injured it in the game last week but he still managed to play the game out.

"We stood him down from training, gave him an x-ray and as result he's out for the time being.

"Injuries are part of the game. Look at Manly, they've lost Brett Stewart for nearly the whole season and Justin Hodges at the Broncos is out for a long time too.

"We've got a bit of depth there. Against the Titans, James Maloney played really well and Shaun Johnson had a good game last night against the Sharks.

"We aren't panicking by any means. Obviously, we would rather it hadn't happened but it's done now and we just have to wait until he's back."

Scurrah said the Warriors wouldn't be looking to buy a player as short-term cover for Seymour.

He also moved quickly to put to bed any potential speculation the injury happened in dubious circumstances given Seymour's chequered past off the field.

"It definitely happened during the game last week," he said. "If you go back and look at the footage you will see a part in the second half where he pulls off his strapping and it certainly affected him for the rest of the afternoon.

"It was reported to our medical staff immediately after the game. He's a good guy and he's really upset.

"It's a long season and it's not a knee or anything. It's a thumb and it will heal."

- © Fairfax NZ News