The NSW Waratahs have suffered a major blow by losing hooker Adam Freier for the rest of the Super 14 season with a badly torn bicep.

Freier sustained the injury after coming off the bench in Friday night's 21-11 loss to the Brumbies in Canberra.

NSW's loss of the 25-Test rake for the rest of their 2009 campaign propels 19-year-old Damien Fitzpatrick into the Super 14 arena.

Fitzpatrick, the 2007 Australian Schoolboys captain, is set to be on the bench for Saturday's clash against the Crusaders.

It also puts the heat on first-choice hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau who has shared starting duties with Freier this season.

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