MATT Dufty needs repair work on the knee injury that will keep him out of Warrington Wolves’ clash with Castleford Tigers tomorrow, Friday.

The Wire’s leading try scorer, metre maker and Man of Steel contender sustained the injury in the first half of his side’s win against Leeds Rhinos in the Magic Weekend round at Elland Road on Saturday.

Head coach Sam Burgess was looking to withdraw Dufty early in the second half but the full-back managed to hobble his way through the game and even crossed for an impressive hat-trick of tries.

He has been for scans since then to assess the issue.

Warrington Guardian understands the 28-year-old has been told he will need a ‘minor procedure’ in order to get back out on the field fit and well.

Timescales for his absence, procedure, recovery and return to availability are yet to be confirmed but word from within the camp is that ‘he shouldn’t be sidelined for too long’.

While Dufty’s absence would be felt by any team, his enforced time out of the side does present an opportunity for The Wire to adjust to performing without one of their most lethal weapons.

First-team coach Martin Gleeson, who revealed in Tuesday’s Wire press conference that Dufty would be absent for this week’s line-up, said: “Of course he’ll be missed, because he’s been outstanding in all parts of his game – his defence, his temperament, he’s doing the tough stuff and not just the glamour stuff.

“Everyone sees the tries and the flashy stuff, but his overall game has improved which is then helping him to do the magic stuff at the end of it.”

Gleeson highlighted that two options were being considered to step into Dufty’s boots - highly-rated Academy and Reserves team full-back Cai Taylor-Wray or England international Josh Thewlis.

Switching Thewlis from the wing would open the way for Arron Lindop to return to the side, but the Guardian expects Taylor-Wray to be handed his second Super League start.

“We’ve got Cai, who I think is ready for the step-up now after his improvement this year,” said Gleeson.

“We planned to only play Matt half a game against London (on August 11) and put Cai on. Something happened with Rod (Tai), which delayed that.

“Cai’s got something about him, with the way he moves, so he’s one option.

“And we’ve got Josh Thewlis who can play full-back.

“We’ve not made a decision on that yet, but we’re probably edging towards one way, which will be a great opportunity.”