The South Sydney Rabbitohs will witness the return of their captain, Cam Murray, as he takes the field for his first and only game of the season against the Sydney Roosters on March 15, 2024. Murray had been sidelined due to an Achilles injury, but after discussions with coach Wayne Bennett and the medical staff, he confirmed that he is fit to play without posing a risk of re-injury.
Murray’s participation is particularly significant, as he aims to impact the fierce rivalry with the Roosters. Bennett emphasized that the decision for Murray to return was entirely up to him. “I’m really proud of what he has done and how he has gone about it,” Bennett stated. “He wanted to play a game and wanted to play with his teammates.”
Brandon Smith, who will face his former teammates for the first time, also appeared relaxed during training. He is gearing up for what will be his first match since being charged by Queensland Police for allegedly disclosing “inside knowledge” related to illegal betting and accusations of supplying drugs to Roosters forward Victor Radley.
Despite concerns regarding Murray’s return and the potential risks associated with it, Bennett expressed unwavering support for his captain. “He’s trained full-on with everyone else the last three weeks,” Bennett noted. “I said to him, ‘you tell me what you want to do.’ He’s in great condition, but match fitness is the next step for him.”
Murray’s teammates have welcomed his comeback, reflecting the bond within the team. Keaon Koloamatangi, who won junior premierships alongside Murray, commented on the significance of his captain’s return. “Even though there’s nothing to play for [in terms of finals], it shows you how much this club means to him by trying to come back early,” he said.
The match holds additional stakes for the Rabbitohs, who aim to disrupt the Roosters’ playoff ambitions. Should South Sydney secure a victory, the Roosters will rely on a second-string Canberra team defeating the Dolphins to avoid an early end to their season. Additionally, winger Alex Johnston has the opportunity to break the long-standing try-scoring record held by Ken Irvine if he scores three times during the match.
The atmosphere surrounding the game is further charged by Latrell Mitchell‘s situation. He did not participate in training on Tuesday and is set to meet with a specialist regarding a bulging disc in his neck. There is a possibility he may require surgery, which adds another layer of intrigue to the Rabbitohs’ lineup.
Murray, while excited to return to the field, clarified that his decision to play was not influenced by the prospect of being selected for the Australian team touring England. Instead, he prioritizes his fitness for the upcoming pre-season with Souths.
As the Rabbitohs prepare for this crucial encounter, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown against their arch-rivals, with significant implications for both teams in the final stretch of the season.
