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 prepare for their next fixtures.
Key Players Facing Setbacks
Latrell Mitchell and Tallis Duncan were instrumental in the Rabbitohs’ impressive win over the Storm at AAMI Park, with Mitchell scoring three tries. The second-rower’s performance was a highlight of the match, but the team’s success came at a cost.
Brandon Smith, who filled in at second-row for the game, left the field in the first half due to a calf injury. He was seen limping off the pitch and was later spotted on the sideline. This is not the first time Smith has faced such an issue, as he missed the start of the season due to a similar injury and only recently returned to action.
Although Smith hasn’t been officially ruled out yet, it’s possible he will be sidelined for the clash against the Knights. Coach Wayne Bennett expressed hope that Smith would be available for the upcoming game. According to NRL Physio Brien Seeney, a calf injury typically takes a couple of weeks to recover from, but not much longer.
Adam Elliot, another forward, might be available for the match. He has not played since joining the club in the off-season. Elliot tore his bicep in Round 12 last year while playing for the Knights, but he left the club to join the Rabbitohs. His potential return could be a boost for the team.
However, Smith wasn’t the only player to leave the field during the game. Halfback Jamie Humphreys also suffered an injury, appearing to hurt his ribs in the final minutes of the match. His availability for the Knights game is uncertain, which could pose a challenge for the Rabbitohs.
Humphreys has formed a strong partnership with Cody Walker since his return from suspension, and his absence could disrupt the team’s dynamics.
Brisbane Broncos’ Injury Crisis Deepens
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos are also dealing with a worsening injury crisis. Brendan Piakura is expected to miss a month due to a knee injury sustained during the team’s win over the Bulldogs. This is another blow for the Broncos, who were already missing several key players during the match.
Piakura had recently returned from a pre-season knee injury, but this latest setback means he will be out for around four weeks. The injury involves a less commonly injured knee ligament, according to Seeney.
The Broncos’ lineup has been significantly affected by injuries, with players like Payne Haas, Reece Walsh, Ben Hunt, Patrick Carrigan, Corey Jensen, Grant Anderson, and Jesse Arthars all missing from the match. While Carrigan is set to return from suspension this week, and Walsh may be available, the loss of Piakura is a major concern for the team.
Despite these challenges, the Broncos have managed to secure wins in their last two games, thanks in part to Adam Reynolds’ return to the field. However, the ongoing injury issues continue to test the team’s depth and resilience.
