Mullen requires shoulder reconstruction

Newcastle's Jarrod Mullen has been ruled out for the rest of the season after being told he requires a shoulder reconstruction.

Mullen dislocated his left shoulder at training last week and while initial x-rays and MRI scans cleared him of any major damage a visit to Sydney shoulder specialist Dr Des Bokor confirmed he needs an operation because he has torn the tendon off his bone.

The 20-year-old five-eighth is expected to go under the knife later this week, ending his 2007 season. Mullen is now the sixth Newcastle player to be ruled out for the season, joining Andrew Johns, Luke Davico, Luke MacDougall, Trent Salkeld and Milton Thaiday on an horrendous injury list.