Bennett, who made his senior debut against Wigan Warriors in March 2000, dislocated his shoulder during Sunday's tough and bruising encounter against Hull FC at the KC Stadium and is expected to undergo major surgery.

It will be the third time he has required an operation on his shoulder and is a similar kind of injury which led to his former team-mate, Aussie Jason Hooper, quitting the sport last year.

"It is career-threatening and everyone is extremely concerned at the situation," admitted head coach Daniel Anderson.

"Naturally, Mike is very upset because he knew straight away it was the same shoulder and also realised the extend of the injury."

Anderson added: "He will be taking medical advice and at the same time make his own decision on his future but he will get the 100 per cent support of everybody at the club."

During his career at Knowsley Road, 28-year-old Bennett has made a total of 160 appearances, and scored 16 tries, but despite being plagued by injuries he has always bounced back in style to re-establish himself in the first team at Knowsley Road.

He now faces the toughest psychological and mental challenge of his career and every Saints fan will be hoping he comes through it with flying colours and pulls on a Saints' shirt once more.