Kangaroos veteran sidelined Robbie Tarrant after kidney surgery

North Melbourne defender Robbie Tarrant will miss the first half of the AFL season after undergoing kidney surgery on Tuesday afternoon.

Robbie Tarrant of the Kangaroos.

North Melbourne defender Robbie Tarrant will miss the first half of the AFL season after undergoing kidney surgery on Tuesday afternoon.

The Kangaroos confirmed the 31-year-old’s surgery was a success, with a small mass removed from his kidney and currently being investigated by medical specialists.

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The lump is reportedly unrelated to the groin injury that kept Tarrant sidelined for Sunday’s loss to Port Adelaide.

Tarrant is expected to be out of action for three months.

“This is something I’ve been aware of and had elected to address now rather than wait for the end of the season to have it removed,” Tarrant told North Media.

“I’m truly grateful to my family and the club for their support and love they’ve shown. I’d also like to thank the medical staff and the specialist for the care and guidance they’ve provided me.

“I’m looking forward to getting stuck into my rehab program and can’t wait to get back out there with the boys later in the season.”

Tarrant had previously been hospitalised with a kidney issue in 2018 after copping a knock to his back in a pre-season game against the Richmond Tigers.

North Melbourne return to training for the 2021 AFL season.

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North Melbourne General Manager of Football Brady Rawlings said in a statement: “We fully support Robbie and his decision to have this procedure. Our focus is solely on his health and wellbeing.

“Taz is one of the most professional players I’ve seen in my time and we know he will be extremely diligent with his recovery from this surgery and also his recent adductor strain.

“He is an integral part of our club and we can’t wait to get him back in the side.”

Tarrant has played 164 games for the Kangaroos since making his AFL debut in 2008, winning the club’s best and fairest award in 2016.

Several Kangaroos teammates remain in doubt for Saturday evening’s game against the Gold Coast Suns, including Aidan Corr (toe), Jed Anderson (calf), Ben Cunnington (concussion), Taylor Garner (calf) and Aaron Hall (adductor).

Meanwhile, North Melbourne defender Luke McDonald (quad) and young gun Curtis Taylor (concussion) will be sidelined for the round two clash at Metricon Stadium.