South Sydney Rabbitohs Face New Injuries After Dominant Win
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have had a thrilling start to their season, with a 48-6 victory over the Melbourne Storm on Saturday. However, the team is now dealing with additional injuries that could impact their performance in upcoming matches. Brandon Smith is set to miss more time due to a calf injury, and this comes as another setback for the club.
Brendan Piakura, who was part of the Brisbane Broncos’ recent win against the Bulldogs, is also expected to be out for a month after sustaining a knee injury. This adds to the growing list of challenges the Rabbitohs are facing as they continue their campaign.
Key Performers Lead the Charge
Latrell Mitchell and Tallis Duncan were instrumental in the Rabbitohs’ impressive win at AAMI Park. The second-rower scored three tries, showcasing his talent and contributing significantly to the team’s success. Coach Craig Bellamy admitted he was ‘embarrassed’ after the defeat, as the team nearly conceded 50 points for the second time this season.
Despite the loss, the Rabbitohs dominated the match, but they may be without two key players for the upcoming games. Smith left the field in the first half with a calf injury. He was filling in at second-row for the game and was seen on the sideline after limping from the field. Smith had previously missed the start of the season due to the same injury and only recently returned to action.
Injury Concerns and Potential Comebacks
The versatile star was looking in good form before his latest setback. Although he hasn’t been officially ruled out this week, it could keep him sidelined for the clash against the Knights. Coach Wayne Bennett expressed hope that Smith would be available for the match.
According to ‘NRL Physio’ Brien Seeney, a calf injury could take a couple of weeks to recover from, but not much longer. While Smith might be unavailable, Adam Elliot could be making a return. The forward hasn’t played since signing with the club in the off-season.
Elliot tore his bicep in Round 12 last year for the Knights, but he left the club to join the Rabbitohs. He could be available to play against his former team this weekend. Unfortunately, Smith wasn’t the only star to leave the field for the Rabbitohs. Halfback Jamie Humphreys left the game with a few minutes remaining after appearing to injure his ribs.
Humphreys is also a doubt for the Knights match and could pose a problem for the Rabbitohs. His partnership with Cody Walker has been solid since his return from suspension.
Brisbane Broncos’ Injury Crisis Deepens
The injury crisis isn’t limited to the Rabbitohs. The Brisbane Broncos are also facing their own challenges. Brendan Piakura is set to miss a month due to a knee injury. The second-rower had recently returned from a pre-season knee injury, but reports suggest he will be on the sidelines for another month.
Seeney noted that the injury involves the ‘least commonly injured’ knee ligament and usually takes around four weeks to recover. Piakura’s injury is another blow to an already depleted Broncos squad. During their recent win over the Bulldogs, the team was missing several key players, including Payne Haas, Reece Walsh, Ben Hunt, Patrick Carrigan, Corey Jensen, Grant Anderson, and Jesse Arthars.
The Broncos are set to welcome back Carrigan from suspension this week, and Walsh is a possibility. However, another injury to their forward stocks is a significant setback for the side, which has managed to win their last two matches with Adam Reynolds back on the field.
