Girdler out for 16 weeks

Penrith five-eighth Ryan Girdler will miss most of the National Rugby League season after suffering a major shoulder injury.

Girdler will undergo an operation on Thursday that will sideline him for 16 weeks. The former New South Wales and Australian centre had tests yesterday which revealed the damage, which he suffered during Sunday's loss to Brisbane at Penrith Stadium.

Girdler says he expects to be back in time for round 17. Off-season signing Preston Campbell is likely to replace Girdler at five-eighth, with Penrith coach John Lang naming his side today for this weekend's game against Melbourne.