In a disheartening turn of events for South Sydney, their prospects for the finals have taken a blow as seasoned forward David Fifita has received a two-match suspension from the NRL judiciary on Tuesday evening.
This development further strains the team's depth in the back row, with both Tallis Duncan (hamstring) and Cameron Murray (calf) unavailable for the upcoming clash against the Storm.
Thomas Fletcher is now in line to step in for Fifita on the edge, providing some much-needed reinforcement.
Fifita's suspension stems from a grade two dangerous contact charge linked to an incident involving Raiders forward Hudson Young.
During a tackle early in the second half, Fifita kicked out, inadvertently striking the back of Young's head.
While the on-field officials did not penalize the act, it led to a charge that would have seen the former Maroons representative sidelined for one match had he opted for an early guilty plea.
Instead, Fifita chose to plead guilty but sought a downgrade at Rugby League Central.
However, panel members Tony Puletua and Paul Simpkins unanimously deemed him guilty, upholding the initial charge.