Jack Hutchins will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a unique injury during the GC SUNS NEAFL match against NT Thunder in Darwin last month.
After a collision with NT Thunder player in the final term, Hutchins was transported to hospital with concerns over the state of his kidney.
Accompanied by GC SUNS Player Welfare Officer, Sam Coen, Hutchins underwent scans in Darwin.
The results confirmed a grade two laceration to his kidney and a fracture to a vertebrae in his back.
Hutchins and Coen remained in Darwin for several days, before returning to the Gold Coast once the SUNS youngster was given the all clear to travel.
Hutchins played six matches for the SUNS in 2011, but an injury cursed season has restricted him in his second season.
In more positive news for the SUNS, Michael Coad and Steven May are both a chance to return to football this week, while Josh Hall will be touch and go after being subbed off in his impressive debut last week.
GC SUNS Injury list
Nathan Bock - Fractured Right Tibia - Season
Michael Coad - Thumb - Test
Daniel Gorringe – Achilles – Indefinite
Josh Hall – Sore – Test
Jack Hutchins – Kidney – Indefinite
Steven May - Hamstring - Test
Jaeger O'Meara - Groin - Season
Alex Sexton - Hip - Season
Seb Tape - Knee - Season
Rory Thompson – Ankle - Season
Joel Wilkinson - Ankle - 3-5 weeks
Suspension
Danny Stanley – Rough Conduct – 1 week
