Bradford Bulls, whose support base is dwindling on recent evidence at Odsal and having been eliminated from the Carnegie Challenge Cup and lost three of their past four engage Super League matches, were dealt a further blow yesterday when Glenn Morrison, their influential and versatile back-row forward, was ruled out for the rest of the season.

The dead leg that the Australian was thought to have suffered during the league defeat at home to Leeds Rhinos three weeks ago turns out to be a torn quadricep and a broken kneecap. “How he managed to carry on playing with that injury shows just what sort of an amazing character he is,” Steve McNamara, the Bradford coach, said. “It's unbelievable. He tried to do everything he could to get back for last week's match against Catalans Dragons and was going to hold his hand up again, but we suspected there was something more sinister going on.”

Morrison, the club's vice-captain, will have an operation to reattach the muscle and spend three months in a leg brace. “It is disappointing, but the one positive is I'm signed next year,” he said. “Hopefully, I'll be right for a big off-season, which I didn't get this time, and ready for a big 2009.”

Terry Newton (shoulder), Andy Lynch (back) and Tame Tupou (knee) have joined the club's mounting injury list. Paul Deacon, the captain, Wayne Godwin and Chris Nero are among the other absentees, although Semi Tadulala, who has missed two matches since dislocating a shoulder against Leeds, is expected to return. McNamara has also included two 18-year-old novices in Kieran Hyde and Keal Carlile in his squad of 19 for the visit to second-placed St Helens.

Cameron Phelps, who joined Wigan Warriors from Canterbury Bulldogs last month, is in line to make his debut away to Catalans on Saturday after a successful reserve-team appearance, but Gareth Hock (ankle) and Phil Bailey (groin) are doubts for the trip to France. In Sean O'Loughlin's continued absence, Andy Coley may be switched from prop to the second row. “If both miss out, it could leave us a bit skinny for back-rowers,” Brian Noble, the Wigan coach, said.

Queensland have drawn level in the State of Origin series with a record-equalling 30-0 victory over New South Wales in Brisbane. The series returns to ANZ Stadium, Sydney, for the decider on July 2.