South Sydney’s Brandon Smith Faces Another Month on the Sidelines
Brandon Smith, a key forward for South Sydney, is set to miss a month of action due to a recurring calf injury. This latest setback adds to the string of misfortunes that have plagued the player in recent times, further testing his resilience and determination.
Smith had been showing promising form since returning from a pre-season calf injury in round six. However, he suffered a relapse during last week’s victory over Melbourne, a game that had been crucial for the Rabbitohs. Despite initial hopes that the issue was not serious, Wayne Bennett, the team’s coach, included Smith in his extended squad for the upcoming away match. Yet, Smith did not participate in Saturday’s captain’s run, signaling that he will need more time to recover.
This injury comes as a significant blow, especially considering that Smith only managed to play five games last season due to knee problems. His absence will undoubtedly impact the team’s dynamics, but it also opens the door for new talent to step up.
“He’s pretty disappointed, to be honest with you, he’s out for another month,” Bennett said. “He loves to play and he brings a lot to the team. But we all have our disappointments, so he’s got to handle it.”
Adam Elliott Set for Comeback
With Smith sidelined, the spotlight shifts to Adam Elliott, a new recruit who is preparing to make his return to the field. Elliott trained with the team on Saturday and is expected to be promoted from Bennett’s extended squad to the bench for his first game in nearly a year.
Elliott’s journey to this point has not been straightforward. A biceps injury cut short his final season with the Knights, and subsequent calf issues delayed his start at Souths. Despite these challenges, he has remained committed to the team, and Bennett expressed his appreciation for Elliott’s perseverance.
“He kept ringing me … He wanted to be here, so I’m happy for him to be. He’s been very good,” Bennett said. “Adam hasn’t played for the latter period of last year, and we’re seven or eight weeks into the season and he’s getting his first game. I admire them (players) for how they persevere and want to be back and playing with their teammates.”
Newcastle’s Returnees Strengthen Their Ranks
While South Sydney faces some setbacks, Newcastle has welcomed back several key players. Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best, Dylan Lucas, Greg Marzhew, and Tyson Frizell are all set to return from injury, providing the Knights with much-needed reinforcements.
Talismanic co-captain Ponga is making his return after recovering from a hamstring issue. This marks his first appearance since round two, and he is eager to reclaim his spot in Queensland’s fullback position.
“He’s a handful, he’s a very good player,” Bennett said. “Nobody’s ever owned the game, you always find a way to minimize their opportunities, but at the end of the day, he’ll make some that most players can’t make. You’ve just got to try and keep those to a minimum. If you can do that, you’ll probably manage the rest of the team.”
