Carlile to undergo surgery

Huddersfield hooker Keal Carlile will require surgery to fix a valve problem that caused a mysterious fatigue issue in a game earlier this season.

Carlile, 21, has been unable to play since coming off against Castleford in round two of Super League, but tests have now revealed the issue, which he and the club hope can be resolved soon to help him to get back in to action.

He said: “It’s been a very worrying time since this extreme fatigue hit me during the Castleford game in February and caused me to come off. It’s related to a valve in my heart which has taken some tracking down and surprised me as I have always felt really fit and healthy.

“Surgery will bring me back even better the specialist says and I have to thank the club for continuing to explore every avenue until we got to the bottom of the problem. Obviously I feared the worst when the problem was explained to me but as I listened more to the specialist it’s clear to me that it is fairly easy to sort and once it is done I will be much fitter and stronger.

“All I want to do now is get the procedure done which I am told is fairly routine and get back into training as soon as possible to get fit for the challenge ahead.”

Carlile will undergo this surgery next week to cure a problem that has been identified by Harley Street specialists and will result in him returning to action later in the year.

Giants managing director Richard Thewlis added: “It’s great that we have finally got some light at the end of the tunnel for Keal.

“The result of which is likely to be an even stronger and fitter player. He is a smashing young man with a tremendous attitude to every challenge and I am sure that he will recover from the operation relatively quickly and begin the rehabilitation process.”

Carlile joined the club from Bradford at the end of 2008, and spent time on loan at Championship club Barrow last season.