The struggling Warriors’ injury woes have deepened with seasoned prop Steve Rapira ruled out for the rest of the NRL season.

Scans confirmed Rapira ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee playing for the Auckland Vulcans in the second-tier NSW Cup at the weekend and he will undergo reconstruction surgery.

Rapira was making his return to action after having plastic surgery to repair an ear injury suffered in the Warriors’ third-round loss to Cronulla.

Warriors utility Sio Siua Taukeiaho broke his leg playing for the Vulcans and will be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

“It’s a tough game we’re involved in but it’s really disappointing for all concerned when players have their seasons ended like this,” said Warriors coach Matthew Elliott.

The Warriors lost frontrower Sione Lousi before the season started and will also be without experienced outside backs Manu Vatuvei and Dane Nielsen for their Anzac Day match against premiers Melbourne.

Vatuvei has a sternum injury which will sideline him for three weeks while former Melbourne centre Nielsen has a rib problem.

It is hoped prop Jacob Lillyman will be over ankle and hip injuries to face the Storm while Pita Godinet, who pulled out of the match against Canberra after picking up a back injury in the warm-up, will be fit for the trip to Melbourne.

“No question we’re having our share of injuries. We’ve got a lot of players on the injury list. It’s testing our depth but it’s also giving players more exposure at NRL level,” said Elliott.

The Warriors sit second-bottom on the NRL table, with just one win from their six matches this season.