The injury is not only a blow to The Blacks, but also to Simon's own chances of taking out the Leading Point Scorer and Leading Try Scorer awards for the league. Going into Round 13, Simon held a healthy 46 point lead over his nearest rival, and added twelve further points to his tally in the Wests match. He also increased his try tally to 17, five ahead of the next best in the league.

With matches remaining against teams in the lower half of the competition, Simon was favoured to regain the try scoring trophy he secured in 2002 before departing for a stint with the Canberra Raiders.

Simon is expected to be out for five games, returning in time for the finals series should Port continue their current form and be there at season's end.

The news comes as Port welcome back Craig Simon, Grant Bobbin and Clinton Schrader from injury. Coach Craig Simon successfully negotiated the Wests match, and while pulling up a little stiff, came through the game unscathed. He will take over the five-eighth position for the game against Wollongong this week, with Greg Hooper filling the halfback role. Hooper has been solid in the five-eighth position this season and will be an admirable replacement for Mark Simon.

Grant Bobbin, like his coach, came through the Wests game with flying colours. The burly front rower was an integral part of port's first half demolition of the Devils, and will again be called upon to couple with front row partner Clint Hill to make the necessary yards for The Blacks.

Schrader returns to the reserve Grade line up after a short stint on the sideline with injury. His speed and footwork at five-eighth for The reserve Grade side should help them regain some lost momentum against The Bulls after a loss to competition leaders Wests,