PARIS, Oct 8, 2008 (AFP) - New Zealand's rugby league World Cup hopes suffered a setback on Wednesday when full-back Brent Webb was ruled out after undergoing spinal surgery.

The 27-year-old Leeds player needed an operation to resolve the back injury that ruled him out of Saturday's Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford.

Webb went under the knife following a further scan on the injury and has been told it could take up to six months to heal, which means he may miss the start of next season.

Leeds head physiotherapist Meirion Jones said: 'Brent has had microdiscectomy on acute disc herniation. It is hoped that the surgery will clear up Brent's current symptoms.

'However, the key will be a sustained period of five to six months rehabilitation to compliment the surgery to get Brent back to full fitness.'

Webb was named in New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney's final 24-man squad for the World Cup earlier this week but will now be replaced.