The South Sydney Rabbitohs face a challenging alteration to their roster as Jye Gray's brief reemergence in the first-grade squad comes to an end.
Wayne Bennett has indicated that there will likely not be a change in the starting fullback position, reinforcing the decision to keep Matt Dufty in that role.
Gray, valued as one of the brightest young talents in the game, was re-signed on a long-term agreement last year, prior to the November 1 deadline.
Initially, he began the season as South Sydney's fullback; however, his playing time has dwindled significantly.
His last appearance as the primary fullback occurred in Round 18, after spending Round 12 sidelined.
In the subsequent weeks, Gray participated in only four matches, with two off the bench and another starting on the wing.
This past Tuesday, in anticipation of the knockout clash against the Newcastle Knights, Bennett reaffirmed Dufty's placement as the starting fullback.
Bennett remarked, "It wasn't the plan, but he is the best option there at the moment," highlighting Dufty's effective decision-making abilities on the field.
Dufty's performance has exceeded expectations this season, transitioning from a trial contract to full first-grade duties amid team injuries.
In 14 games, he averages an impressive 227 metres per match, although only two of those games were off the bench, where his combined metres clocked at 54.
While concerns regarding his defence exist, Bennett prioritises his attacking strengths, indicating that Gray will not reclaim the jersey before the finals.