Connor Watson and Andrew McCullough will miss the remainder of the 2020 season.
The hooking duo were casualties of Sunday’s 18-12 loss to Canterbury with serious injuries striking the pair in the first half.
McCullough was the first to go down after tearing his hamstring, followed by Watson minutes later.
“Andrew’s ripped his hamstring off the bone,” coach Adam O’Brien said.
“Connor’s a ruptured Achilles. Both gone for the year.”
With hooking stocks running low, coach O’Brien will now likely look to Chris Randall who made his NRL debut against Penrith in Round 3.
Other options include utility Tex Hoy, halves Mason Lino and Phoenix Crossland, while Development Player Luke Huth is also part of the fulltime squad.
“We’ve got an option with Phoenix,” O’Brien said.
“He’s done a hell of a job since we’ve been back with his defence.
“Chris Randall who we debuted earlier in the year is also an option and we’ve got Tex.”
Kurt Mann is another option.
He moved to hooker during the game but rather than shift him from the No.6, the coach may opt to leave Mann in the halves.
Another injury concern appeared at the death when backrower Sione Mata’utia hobbled from the field.
“He couldn’t walk too,” O’Brien added.
