Murray’s Return Doubtful for Rabbitohs’ Crucial Clash Ahead of State of Origin II Selection
Cameron Murray’s prospects of recovering in time for South Sydney’s final game before the selection of the State of Origin II team appear slim, as per interim Rabbitohs coach Ben Hornby.
A consistent presence in the NSW Blues lineup since 2019 when fit, Murray missed the opening game due to a hip injury sustained in early May, which has an estimated recovery time of six to eight weeks.
Murray, who made his NRL debut under Michael Maguire in 2017, epitomizes the all-heart, no-nonsense football style favored by Maguire. However, his availability for Souths’ Round 15 match against Brisbane, the final game before Origin II team selection, remains uncertain. Choosing Murray would be risky given that he hasn’t played since May 2.
“Currently, Cam is an outside chance of playing next week,” Hornby said before Saturday’s game against the Gold Coast Titans.
“He’s week-to-week, ticking the boxes as we go. He ran well today, so if he clears another hurdle, we’ll see how he fares this weekend and then reassess for next week,” Hornby added.
Both the Rabbitohs and the Titans are eager to secure consecutive wins to climb the ladder, with the Titans in 13th place and the Rabbitohs at the bottom.
Star back-rower David Fifita, who was not selected for the Maroons’ series opener, will be looking to make an impression, while the Titans welcome back their playmaking captain Kieran Foran and winger Jojo Fifita from injury. Fullback Jayden Campbell has also been named on the bench after recovering from a knee injury suffered in Round 6.
Souths will welcome back veteran Cody Walker, who has overcome a calf issue and will team up with Jack Wighton in the halves.
