YORK City Knights boss Dave Woods is to speak to St Helens about taking young prop Gareth Frodsham on loan – amid fears big Brett Waller could join Jon Fallon on the sidelines for the rest of the season.

Waller, returning to action after a month out with a shoulder problem, was helped off the field during Sunday’s defeat at leaders Hunslet after twisting his knee.

Although it was initially thought the damage was minimal, the joint has since swollen up and his leg has been put in a brace – with the player posting on Facebook that he would be out for the season.

To make matters worse, confirmation has also now come that fellow prop Fallon will almost certainly not play again this year as he needs knee surgery.

And on top of that, another front-rower, Alex Benson, was last night suspended for two matches and fined £50 after being found guilty by Rugby Football League disciplinary chiefs of a Grade ‘B’ dangerous throw against Doncaster on July 4.

With Mark Applegarth, Carl Barrow and Mark Falkingham all allowed to leave the club earlier in the summer, Woods will be left short on front-row force for the run-in and promotion play-offs.

He may now turn to Saints – whom he helped out with coaching while in between jobs – for assistance.

Woods, who is arranging for Waller to see North East-based specialist Shaun O’Brien, the surgeon who has been treating Fallon, said: “We might have to try to get someone else in.

“It’s been a big blow to lose Jon Fallon and it would be a big blow to lose Brett.

“Even at the weekend when he came back from injury he played really well. He’s got good go-forward and good feet for such a big man.

“But we will check him out first and try to get advice from Mr O’Brien.”

There is no Championship One action this weekend as the Knights play in the Northern Rail 9s, so that affords an extra week before the next league match, at home to Workington.

But, as it stands, the injuries and Benson’s ban put heavy reliance on Nathan Freer and local product Jack Stearman as the two remaining front-row regulars.

And, although the latter’s confidence has been boosted by agreeing a new contract for 2011, Woods was well aware of the need to bring in new blood.

Davey Burns recently joined from York Acorn ARLC but the 24-year-old prop is still raw in the semi-professional game and is nevertheless currently injured after a nasal injury.

Woods had previously spoken to Saints about possibly loaning 20-year-old Frodsham, who has made 11 Super League appearances to date.

He added: “They wanted him to play in the under-20s to make sure he was right after a calf injury but I will speak to them again. If Brett’s out, we will have to get someone in.”