Campbell Graham has been ruled out of South Sydney's clash with Parramatta on Saturday night due to a calf strain, just as the Rabbitohs prepare to welcome back several key players.
Coach Wayne Bennett confirmed the injury is not serious, saying: "He's got a bit of a strain. It's not too serious." Jye Gray will replace Graham on the right wing, with Bennett joking: "We'll match the big guy with the big guy."
Injury woes continue for Graham
The 27-year-old has been plagued by calf issues throughout 2026, having managed only 11 games last year due to back and calf problems. His withdrawal is a frustrating blow for Souths, who have been one of the NRL's most injury-affected teams this season.
The Rabbitohs had looked set to field close to a full-strength side, with Cam Murray (calf), Tallis Duncan (hamstring) and David Fifita (suspension) all returning. Bennett welcomed their availability: "They're quality players, they've all got great reputations and we're looking forward to having them back."
Aitken's recovery
Meanwhile, Euan Aitken could return against Canterbury next week after losing four kilograms battling a virus. The second-rower left the Round 19 win over Newcastle struggling for breath and underwent an ECG at the stadium. He played two more games but was sidelined from last week's loss to Cronulla.
Aitken returned to training on Friday for light running, and Bennett has given him permission to eat fast food to regain weight: "He can go where he likes (to eat). He'll probably be back next week but he's lost four kilograms and he's had a pretty heavy virus that's knocked him around a fair bit."
Mitchell's future uncertain
Bennett remains unsure whether Latrell Mitchell will play again in 2026, with the star centre battling nerve damage from back and calf issues. "He doesn't know and I don't know (when he will return)," Bennett said. "There's a good chance that may be the case (he won't play again this year), it may not either."
Seventh on the ladder, the Rabbitohs likely need at least three wins from their remaining five games to make the finals. Bennett remains confident: "We've got to win some games but it's not a position that we have to win every week. The teams around us are playing some pretty tough opposition as well so I think we can probably lose one or two games."
