Widnes have confirmed centre Stefan Marsh will needs a shoulder reconstruction after sustaining an injury in the weekend win over Hull.
He is expected to be on the sidelines for around 12 weeks and Head Coach Denis Betts said: "It's pretty devastating really because his form at the beginning of the season and the way he was playing, I think he could've been looking at a place in the England Knights squad.
"From what I can see, I don't believe there are many centres out there with the ability or class that Stef has got, so it was a bit harsh on him really and also tough on us because he's been playing so well."
However there is better news of stand-off Kevin Brown who picked up an ankle injury in the same game.
"It was a freakish accident, he got kicked and it clipped him right on the spot which just made him flip over because he was relaxed. He went to see a specialist last night and it was the same person who operated on him initially, and it's a badly sprained ankle," Betts added.
"We're hopeful that it could be four to six weeks with Kevin which is good news."