Gidley faces six weeks on sidelines

Newcastle captain Kurt Gidley has been ruled out for at least six weeks after tearing a ligament in his foot.

Gidley, 30, will miss next week’s State of Origin opener and is doubtful for game two of the series at the end of June.

Knights physiopherapist Phil Coles said: “The ligament Kurt has injured affects the structural stability of his foot.

“He will need to be non-weight bearing for a number of weeks and that means we expect him to be out for at least six weeks.”

South Sydney‘s John Sutton and Josh Reynolds from Canterbury have both been drafted into the New South Wales squad as cover for Gidley.