Cardiff co-coach Nick Tomlinson says three of his key players have taken the opportunity to undergo surgery during the coronavirus crisis and he remains unsure if they will return later in the rescheduled Black Diamond Cup season.
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Hawks skipper Bryce Graetz (groin), Jack Lennon (AC joint) and Cameron Jones (knee, shoulder) won't be available for the Hawks in next weekend's opening round and the injured trio may not feature at all in 2020.
"A few of our guys took the chance [while there were no games] to have surgery and deal with some injuries they had been carrying for a while," Tomlinson said.
"Whether they are back or not this year at all remains to be seen."
Simon O'Brien, Liam Gibson (uncommitted) and Adam Clarke (not playing) potentially leave Tomlinson with a few more holes in his new-look squad at Pasterfield Sports Complex.
Scott Pierce (East Coast Eagles) and Joel Campbell (Canberra) are two of Cardiff's key recruits.
Hawks pair Jack Pratt and Marcus De Leur are now expected to share the captaining duties.
Cardiff travel for a trial against the Roosters at Singleton on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Newcastle City have 16 players returning from last year's grand final.
AFL Hunter Central Coast officials are continuing to work on a draw. The season opener is set for July 18, three months after originally planned because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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