The Western Force’s injury crisis continues with hooker Ryan Tyrrell succumbing to a neck injury that has ended his season.

Tyrrell, who had an outstanding game in last weekend’s defeat to the Waratahs, will require surgery but Mitchell is confident the tough front rower will return next season ready to pick up where he left off.

“I’m thrilled for the way Ryan responded last week, and I think everyone in the group was thrilled also with the way he responded,” Force coach John Mitchell said.

“He can walk away from this season certainly understanding what this level takes and take confidence from the fact that he was able to play well.”

Ben Whittaker, just 20, gets his first start against Super 14 frontrunners the Bulls on Saturday evening as Tyrrell’s replacement.

Tom Hockings has also been included after lock Sam Wykes was ruled out with a corked thigh he received against the Waratahs.

Brett Sheehan and Scott Staniforth will be given every opportunity to prove their fitness after pulling up sore following the Tahs clash.

Mitchell says the club will have to investigate how and why so many players have been injured this season.

“Naturally it’s a game of contact but clearly we are going to have to review our injuries as a club and find out whether we need to change the mindset n a particular way so these sort of situations do not occur,” he said.

Capped Wallaby Pek Cowan was recalled to the bench, while 18-year-old flanker Ted Postal could make his Super rugby debut after being named as reserve for the first time.