GOLD Coast utility Pearce Hanley will miss up to 12 weeks after undergoing shoulder surgery on Monday.

Ruckman Tom Nicholls is set for an even longer stint on the sidelines, expected to miss 16 weeks after his own shoulder surgery. 

The setback continues a wretched run for Hanley in the past 12 months. 

Since being traded from Brisbane to the Suns following the 2016 season, Hanley has had to overcome multiple injuries and the personal tragedy of his younger brother dying from cancer last year. 

The Irishman dislocated his shoulder in the JLT Community Series against Brisbane last month, then in his first game back against Fremantle in round three, suffered the same injury.

Gold Coast general manager of football operations Jon Haines said the surgery had gone well for both players and they would start work on their returns soon.

“Both the boys had surgery yesterday on their respective shoulders and both went really well, which is pleasing,” Haines told goldcoastfc.com.au.

“They’ll obviously commence their rehabilitation pretty much straight away."

More to come