LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
South Sydney Rabbitohs face a significant challenge following injuries to key players Cody Walker and Jayden Sullivan.
Coach Wayne Bennett may need to turn to English import Lewis Dodd to address the team's halves crisis.
Walker sustained a new hamstring injury during a recent match against the Dolphins, following a season already marred by various injuries.
He had just returned from a previous groin issue sustained in round 14 against the Raiders.
In the latest game, Walker injured himself while setting up a try for Tallis Duncan, eventually having to leave the field.
He will undergo scans to assess the injury and its expected recovery timeline, adding to his already troubled season.
Walker had previously missed the start of the season due to a hamstring injury and spent five games sidelined after suffering a calf tear.
Souths were reportedly considering extending Walker's contract for another season, but ongoing injuries raise uncertainties about that decision.
Meanwhile, Sullivan's situation has worsened; he has been ruled out for the rest of the season after breaking his leg during a NSW Cup match against the Newtown Jets.
This represents a significant blow for the team, particularly as he was likely to replace Walker in the squad for their upcoming game against Manly.
With both players unavailable for the Sunday match against the Sea Eagles, Bennett faces a daunting task.
He may have no choice but to include Dodd, who has been overlooked throughout the season despite being signed on a substantial contract of about $650,000 per season.
As Souths continue to struggle with injuries, the pressure mounts on Bennett to find solutions to get the team back on track.