After consulting with the club’s medical team and specialists, North key forward Robbie Tarrant has opted to undergo surgery to repair an ongoing tibial stress fracture.

The 25-year-old managed just one game in 2014 and pulled up sore following the hit-out, prompting him and the club to re-assess his situation.

“I’m shattered and frustrated to be missing the rest of the year already but as a group, we’ve come to the conclusion that going in for surgery now is the best option to take with regards to my long term prospects,” Tarrant told NMFC.com.au.

It’s the same issue which hampered Tarrant’s 2013 season.

“I just want to get my body right and have a full tilt at a season which hasn’t been the case for a few years unfortunately. I haven’t had a great run but I’ll remain positive and look ahead with great confidence once we get everything sorted out in the coming days.

“I think in my current situation, it’s really a matter of having to absorb some short term pain in order to achieve long term gain. If I go in now and pull the pin on this year and get everything right, then I’ll be in the best position to have a good crack at next year and beyond. That’s what I need to focus on.”

While the course of action has been agreed on, Tarrant says the type of surgery has not yet been determined.

“There still a few things we need to decide on including what the actual procedure will be because there are a few different options to consider. I’ll rely on the experts to make that call.”