London star ruled out for the season

Correspondent

London outside back Nathan Stapleton has been ruled out for the rest of 2016 after undergoing an ACL reconstruction.

The NRL recruit complained of pain in his knee, and underwent scans which revealed the torn ligament.

Stapleton will return to the club next week to begin his rehabilitation program.

Though admittedly disappointed to lose a key player so early on in the season, head coach Andrew Henderson said the club’s only thoughts are on Stapleton’s successful recovery.

“The surgery went well, and the surgeon has said his knee is now stable,” he said.

“Obviously we’re not thrilled to lose Stapo – at this point or any point of the season, really – but these things happen, and our focus now is on his rehabilitation and ensuring he gets the best care possible.”