South Sydney’s Brandon Smith Faces Another Month on the Sidelines
South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Brandon Smith is set to miss a month of NRL action due to another calf injury, marking yet another setback in what has been a challenging season for the player. The injury comes as new recruit Adam Elliott prepares to make his long-awaited return to the field, stepping onto the bench for his first game in nearly a year against his former team, Newcastle.
Smith had been showing promising form since returning from a pre-season calf injury in round six. However, he re-injured himself during last week’s victory over Melbourne, which had been a much-needed win for the Rabbitohs. Initially, the team was hopeful that the issue was not serious, and Smith was included in Wayne Bennett’s extended squad for the upcoming away match. However, he did not participate in Saturday’s captain’s run, confirming that he will be sidelined for another month.
This latest injury adds to an already difficult season for Smith, who was limited to just five games last year due to knee problems. “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
Meanwhile, Adam Elliott has been training with the team and is expected to be promoted from Bennett’s extended squad to the bench for his first game since May last year. Elliott’s journey to this point has not been smooth—his final season with the Knights was cut short by a biceps injury, and subsequent calf issues delayed his transition to Souths. Despite these challenges, Elliott remained determined, and his commitment paid off as he signed a one-year deal with the Rabbitohs over the summer.
“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 Injured Players Return
On the other side, Newcastle has also seen several key players return from injury, providing a boost to their lineup. Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best, Dylan Lucas, Greg Marzhew, and Tyson Frizell are all set to feature, adding depth and experience to the Knights’ squad.
Ponga, the team’s co-captain, is back from a hamstring injury and will make his first appearance since round two. His return is significant as he looks to regain his place 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.”
Key Matchup Ahead
The clash between Souths and Newcastle promises to be a highly anticipated match, with both teams looking to gain momentum in the season. While Souths face the challenge of losing a key player like Smith, they also have the opportunity to give a chance to emerging talent like Elliott. On the other hand, Newcastle’s return of several injured stars could provide a strong foundation for a competitive performance.
As the teams prepare for the match, fans will be eager to see how these developments shape the outcome of the game. With both sides having their own challenges and strengths, the upcoming clash is sure to be an exciting spectacle.
