Souths duo facing lengthy absence amid injury crisis
The injury crisis at South Sydney has continued, with both Jye Gray and Dean Hawkins facing extended periods on the sideline.
The pair both failed to finish the side’s round nine loss against Penrith, with rookie fullback Gray suffering an ankle injury after a hip-drop tackle from Izack Tago.
Hawkins on the other hand aggravated an existing quad issue while kicking off and was forced from the field before half-time.
In a club statement on Monday evening, it was confirmed that Hawkins could miss the next 12 weeks, while Gray is looking at two months on the sidelines as he prepares to go under the knife.
Dean Hawkins injures his groin kicking off against Penrith.
“He’s had a scan, and he’ll meet with the surgeon this afternoon to plan the next course of action,” head of performance Andrew Croll said.
“But it looks more than likely he’ll need the tight rope surgery to repair that.”
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The injury to Hawkins couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Rabbitohs, who are already without Lachlan Ilias for the remainder of the season and are lacking depth in the halfback position.
Cody Walker and Jack Wighton could combine in the halves moving forward, while young gun Dion Teaupa is knocking on the door for an NRL debut.
Gray’s absence will be offset by the return of Latrell Mitchell, who has been out for three matches due to suspension, but the setback limits the backline flexibility in the squad.
Izack Tago is penalised for a hip-drop tackle on Jye Gray.
The latest update from the Bunnies’ casualty ward comes just two days after it was revealed Cameron Murray will be sidelined for at least six weeks with a hip flexor injury, ruling him out of the State of Origin series for NSW.
Jai Arrow also struggled with an existing shoulder injury against the Panthers, but the club have not commented on his status for round 10 and beyond.
Alex Johnston, Tevita Tatola and Jacob Gagai are also unavailable for Souths.