LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
NRL fans are expressing anger over a critical incident involving Reece Walsh, while South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett is grappling with a severe roster crisis due to player injuries.
The Rabbitohs faced the Brisbane Broncos without an 18th man, worsening their predicament as they only fielded 17 fit players.
Bennett, renowned for his illustrious coaching career, finds this season particularly challenging.
Peter Mamouzelos had been named as the 18th man but withdrew last minute due to delayed concussion symptoms from a prior head knock.
This left the Rabbitohs with a depleted lineup, culminating in a harsh 60-14 defeat, exacerbated by Walsh and Kotoni Staggs' strong performances for Brisbane.
The team is contending with significant injuries, missing key players such as Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray, Campbell Graham, and Cody Walker.
Bennett, facing an unprecedented situation, disclosed that the withdrawal of Mamouzelos was a significant blow, leaving the team unable to fill the 18th man slot.
Jamie Humphreys also withdrew due to concussion, adding to the Rabbitohs' woes when dummy-half Ryan Gray suffered a shoulder injury during the match.
Post-game, Bennett reflected on the dire circumstances: "I haven't gone close to that.
We had eight or nine at Redcliffe last year at one stage, but we're on 13 today.
We didn't have an 18th man tonight...
We made the decision before the game not to put him on the bench."
Bennett's Rabbitohs have now lost nine consecutive matches and sit at the bottom of the NRL ladder.
For the first time since beginning his coaching career in 1987, Bennett is at risk of facing a wooden spoon.