WARRIORS prop Ben Matulino may face further time on the sidelines for the Auckland-based NRL side after suffering a post-surgery infection.

The 28-year-old New Zealand international underwent surgery on his left knee in early January, only three months after a procedure on his right knee.

However he has since experienced post-surgery complications and was wearing an antibiotic pack on his arm at Wednesday’s NRL season launch.

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He was already expected to miss the early stages of the 2017 NRL campaign, starting on Sunday week against Newcastle, but may now remain out longer.

Players such as Sam Lisone, Charlie Gubb and Albert Vete are expected to fill in alongside veteran Jacob Lillyman during Matulino’s absence.