GUTTED Simon Grix was stretchered off during Wolves' narrow win at Hull Kingston Rovers today.
And he ended up leaving Craven Park on crutches.
The 22-year-old, with a three-year record of bad injuries and making his first appearance of the season, was poleaxed by Stanley Gene's high tackle 11 minutes into the second half.
Grix crumpled with the challenge and injured his ankle as he dropped to the floor.
The game was delayed for four minutes while Wolves' medical team worked with him on the field.
Grix was flat out as bright orange protective padding was placed around his left leg and then he sat up and placed his head in his hands.
Both sets of fans gave him a good round of applause as he left the field on a stretcher.
Grix was in pain across his face and in his ankle as he left the stadium after the game.
Wolves do not fear the former Halifax man has broken any bones but said there could be some ligament damage and further tests will have to take place.
Wolves' head coach Paul Cullen said: "His ankle's not looking too good.
"He was hit very heavy and high.
"The ankle collapsed underneath him when he hit the floor.
"We're pretty concerned about him at the minute."
It was the first time Grix had started a Super League game since Hull away in July, 2006, and he was performing well in his favoured loose forward position.
He supplied the final pass for Martin Gleeson to open the try scoring in the second minute but more importantly he was helping to keep Wolves' defence very tight around the ruck.
* Gene was placed on report for the high tackle on Grix and disciplinary chiefs will look at the incident on video tomorrow, Monday.
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