Jul 2nd, 2016

Jul 2nd, 2016

Round 17 Warriors 27 - 18 Titans Match Completed NRL 2016: Round 17 Mt Smart Stadium - Saturday July 2nd, 5:00 am

Gold Coast Titans young gun Karl Lawnton has endured a nightmare start to his NRL career after suffering a horrific injury in his debut against the New Zealand Warriors.

The 20-year-old playmaker was making a dash from the play the ball early in the second half when he was brought down in an awkward two-man tackle at Mt Smart Stadium.

But it quickly became apparent the youngster was in serious trouble when tacklers Bunty Afoa and Issac Luke both immediately called to the sideline for help.

Replays of the incident show Lawnton's left leg get caught under the hulking frame of Afoa and twist into a gruesome and unnatural position.

Lawnton only came into the side as the Titans tried to overcome an injury curse that has hit the club in recent times.

Immediate reports out of the game indicate Lawnton has suffered a broken leg and will be out for the remainder of the season.