South Sydney’s bid to secure a top-eight finish has suffered a major setback, with key forwards Cameron Murray, David Fifita, and Tallis Duncan joining star player Latrell Mitchell on the injury list.
A disastrous day concluded with a frustrating night for the seventh-placed Rabbitohs after Fifita’s grade-two dangerous contact charge was upheld during his NRL judiciary appearance.
The prominent second-rower had been trying to regain his balance after a play-the-ball during last week’s defeat against Canberra when his leg swung upward and made contact with Hudson Young’s head.
Initially presented with a one-match suspension, Fifita pursued a downgrade from a grade-two to a grade-one dangerous contact offense, which would have enabled him to avoid a ban and instead pay a fine, but he is now suspended for two matches.
The 26-year-old declined standard post-hearing media commitments upon exiting NRL headquarters.
NRL counsel Lachlan Gyles stated that although the force of the kick was minimal, the Souths player demonstrated a significant degree of carelessness.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Rabbitohs announced that skipper Murray, dealing with a calf issue, and in-form edge forward Duncan, managing a hamstring problem, are sidelined for up to four and three weeks respectively.
However, the continued absence of Mitchell may prove the most damaging as the dynamic left centre schedules an appointment with a neurologist regarding persistent nerve trouble.
The 29-year-old was performing at the peak of his career before encountering a back injury followed by a calf complaint, keeping him out of action for over two months.
“Mitchell is trying to overcome complex nerve damage that initially created complications with a lower back injury, and now a calf issue in his left leg,” the club said in a statement.
“Mitchell will remain a week-to-week proposition as to a return to the field of play.”
Murray sustained a calf strain during Saturday’s 34-24 defeat to Canberra and is projected to be sidelined for up to a month.
Souths risk sliding out of finals contention before their captain makes his comeback if he requires the full four-week recovery period.
This development comes as a blow for Murray, who missed the bulk of the previous campaign due to an Achilles tendon injury while Souths failed to reach the finals.
Wayne Bennett’s squad has triumphed in two of their last four fixtures and faces Melbourne, Cronulla, and fierce rivals the Sydney Roosters during the final stretch of the season.
Lachlan Hubner will step in for Murray at lock for Friday’s fixture against the Storm at Accor Stadium, while Latrell Siegwalt enters the centres to cover for Duncan.
With both Duncan and Adam Elliott unavailable, the Rabbitohs face a tactical challenge to find cover for Fifita in the second row.
Bennett, who was present at Tuesday evening’s hearing, stated he might consider shifting Keaon Koloamatangi to an edge position or elevating Tom Fletcher into the starting lineup.
Source: Australian Associated Press
