The 27-year-old was this week named in New Zealand's 24-man squad for the 10-nation tournament Down Under but Leeds officials yesterday informed the Kiwis that the player will be sidelined until February.

Webb had surgery yesterday following a further scan on the injury that has troubled him since July and is expected to be out of action for between five and six months.

"Brent has had microdiscectomy on acute disc herniation," said Leeds physiotherapist Meirion Jones. "It is hoped that the surgery will clear Brent's current symptoms and a sustained period of five to six months rehabilitation is needed to compliment the surgery to get Brent back to full fitness."

Steve Ganson and Ashley Klein will be England's representatives on the referees' panel for the World Cup.

The full-time officials were in charge of all the engage Super League play-off matches and have refereed four grand finals and three Challenge Cup finals between them.

Ganson, who was in charge of this year's Challenge Cup final, will fly out to Australia after refereeing tomorrow's Gillette Fusion international between England and Wales at Doncaster.