Rabbitohs hit hard by key injuries - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Rabbitohs hit hard by key injuries

By Todd Balym 18/08/2009 08:01:25 PM Comments (0)

South Sydney's slim finals chances copped another blow on Tuesday with Craig Wing, Michael Crocker, Fetuli Talanoa and Beau Champion all ruled out of Saturday's must-win clash with Penrith.

The quartet all sustained injuries in the Rabbitohs' 22-14 loss to the Gold Coast last week and will miss the trip to Penrith's CUA Stadium where a loss would end any chance at reaching the playoffs.

Wing is out with a hamstring strain, Crocker an ankle injury, Champion a broken hand and Talanoa a knee complaint.

Toyota Cup centre Junior Vaivai has been handed his NRL debut in the centres after scoring 20 tries in the youth competition this year.

Beau Falloon replaces Wing on the bench, while Jaiman Lowe is also on the interchange with Scott Geddes to start at prop and David Fa'alogo shifted into Crocker's position at lock.

Chris McQueen comes in for just his second NRL game on the wing for Talanoa.

Parramatta regain skipper Nathan Cayless (calf) for Friday's crucial NRL clash with the Wests Tigers, but have told star Feleti Mateo to make his comeback from a biceps injury with Wentworthville in the NSW Cup.

Mateo hasn't played since round 10 and despite being keen to join the red-hot Eels at the SFS, he will be forced to make a low-key return against Central Coast at Morrie Breen Oval on Saturday.

The Tigers lose prop John Skandalis (corked thigh) and have several other concerns among their battered forward pack.

Skipper Robbie Farah (calf) and Keith Galloway (hand) both sat out training at Concord Oval on Tuesday but are not in doubt for the game.

"None of us need any motivation to get ready for this game," said prop Todd Payten.

"Injury or not, we are well aware what significance this game has for our season."

Bulldogs fullback Luke Patten (ankle) is back for his side's Monday night clash with the Sydney Roosters who have prop Nate Myles returning from a lengthy suspension for defecating in a hotel corridor.

Myles replaces injured prop Lopini Paea who is out with a pectoral strain.

Canberra prop Scott Logan has been ruled out for the rest of the NRL season with a fractured cheekbone, NSW centre Joel Monaghan taking his place in the side to face the Warriors on Sunday.

Monaghan, back from a bruised knee, will play in the centres with Joel Thompson to move into the back row and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs going to prop.

"(Monaghan) will need to get through the sessions later in the week to make sure he's okay but we're confident he will be," said Raiders coach David Furner.

Warriors captain Steve Price (rib cartilage) and centre Jerome Ropati (shoulder) have been recalled for the home side, Price playing his first game in three weeks.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news