Demetriou mentioned that although they are without some key players, they won’t be looking to recruit from the open market. Instead, they will rely on the talent within their squad, including Taane Milne, Richie Kennar, and Jacob Gagai, who is set to make his NRL debut. Demetriou expressed confidence in these players and emphasized his willingness to support and back them as they step into bigger roles.
Despite the current thinness in the squad, Demetriou remains hopeful that injured players like Campbell Graham and Tyrone Munro will return later in the season, with Jack Wighton set to be available from Round 3. This suggests that the Rabbitohs are taking a long-term approach to their squad management, prioritizing the development of their existing talent rather than seeking short-term solutions from the transfer market.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will welcome back Jack Wighton in round three, while Tyrone Munro is set to return in round five after recovering from a knee injury. However, there’s less positive news regarding Campbell Graham, with coach Jason Demetriou revealing that Graham will miss the majority of the upcoming season due to an unspecified injury.
Demetriou described the level of pain Graham was experiencing as extraordinary and indicated that specialists had explored options such as infusion injections to promote healing. While these interventions showed some improvement in Graham’s condition, it was ultimately decided that he would be unable to withstand the physical demands of a full season without risking further injury or compromising his mental and physical well-being.
The decision to sideline Graham reflects the harsh reality of professional sports, where players must often contend with the physical toll of their profession. Despite the disappointment of Graham’s extended absence, the Rabbitohs are prioritizing his long-term health and well-being, recognizing that his role requires peak physical condition.
Graham’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Rabbitohs, but the decision to prioritize his health is a testament to the club’s commitment to their players’ welfare.
GET MORE NEWS HERE