The XXXX Queensland Bulls will have to tackle the next month without the services of pace bowler Scott Muller after the strapping quick had knee surgery today on the Gold Coast.

Muller will be on the sideline for between four and six weeks after having an arthroscopy to repair a torn cartilage in his left knee.

Muller, who made his Test debut last season for Australia, suffered the injury while undergoing a fitness test last week to confirm his recovery from a sidestrain.

"It's disappointing but I'm a fast bowler and injuries like this are just some of the setbacks that you have to overcome," he said.

"I've come back from injuries before and so I have no fears about what lies ahead for me. I'm missing the start of things but I am looking forward to making an impression in what is left of the remainder of the season."

The Bulls coaching and medical staff expect Muller will be available for selection for the Bulls Pura Cup match against Victoria at the MCG from December 1.

Muller joins fellow Australian pace bowler Michael Kasprowicz on the sideline, with Kasprowicz hoping to make his return from shoulder surgery late in December.

Muller's absence will present rising quick Ashley Noffke, the dependable Joe Dawes and Matthew Pascoe with more opportunities to push for spots in the Bulls side for Pura Cup and Mercantile Mutual Cup matches.

Noffke played against the Western Warriors in Perth, bowling with pace and vigour in the first innings to claim three wickets, while Dawes was 12th man for the match. Pascoe has made a bright start to the Brisbane XXXX Grade competition, snaring a five-wicket haul on Saturday for Toombul.

Meanwhile the Bulls will train tomorrow morning from 8.30am at Allan Border Field and will fly to Sydney on Friday to prepare for Sunday’s Mercantile Mutual Cup match against NSW at Bankstown Oval.

XXXX Queensland Bulls v NSW Blues, Mercantile Mutual Cup, Sunday, Bankstown Oval: Stuart Law (c), Matthew Hayden, Jimmy Maher, Martin Love, Andrew Symonds, Clinton Perren, Lee Carseldine, Scott Prestwidge, Wade Seccombe, Andy Bichel, Adam Dale, Ashley Noffke (all twelve to play).

© 2000 Queensland Cricket