SOLID defence and barnstorming runs have made Josh Hanrahan one of the key figures in St Pat's undefeated run in the Western Youth League thus far, but the Saints will have to play the remainder of their campaign without him.
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The front rower - who has made huge post-contact metres for the Saints - broke his thumb in a work accident earlier this week.
"He's been killing it, absolutely killing it, so it's a pain losing him," coach Kevin Grimshaw said.
"He had an operation on Tuesday night to wire the bones back together. I think he dropped a metal plate on it, it crushed it and tore all the top skin off it.
"He's going to be a big loss because he's been going really well for us."
That loss won't be felt until the ninth round as this Sunday's match against Orange Hawks in Orange has been cancelled due to the anticipated snowfall.
The Orange CYMS versus Lithgow Workies match has also been called off, while Bathurst Panthers was already sitting out the weekend with the bye.
At this stage a decision on what points, if any, will be allocated to the four teams impacted by the cancellation will be made next week.
While Pat's - the only undefeated team in the eastern pool - are a lock for the top eight finals series, the cancelled round could impact just who their rival is come that knockout stage.
At the moment it is a battle between Pat's and Forbes - who are also undefeated - to see who locks down the top qualifying spot.
"What I'd anticipate, at the end of the day when the [regular] competition is finished, I anticipate Forbes not to have lost a game and us to not have lost a game," Grimshaw said.
"It is all very close in for against, it's nine points, but us not playing this weekend and not getting any points and them playing, it will be benefit them and I don't see them getting knocked out of top spot. That's all just in theory though.
"We've still got CYMS and Lithgow to come and they're no gimmes."
That game against CYMS will be played next weekend in Orange, while the Saints host Lithgow at Jack Arrow Oval on September 6.
