LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a shocking development for Souths, interim coach Ben Hornby has opened up about the challenges surrounding star player Latrell Mitchell following a tough loss to Penrith in the NRL.
The Rabbitohs, languishing at the bottom of the ladder, were handed a brutal 42-12 defeat by the defending champions in their first game since parting ways with former coach Jason Demetriou.
The woes for South Sydney continued with a string of fresh injuries adding to their already troubled season.
Fullback Jye Gray sustained a syndesmosis injury from a controversial hip-drop tackle by Panthers player Izack Tago, who was subsequently sent off for a spell in the sin bin.
Gray hobbled off the field in pain, with his ankle heavily strapped after Tago's weight came crashing down on him during the tackle.
The fullback toughed it out until halftime but was unable to return for the second half.
Tago faced criticism for the tackle, potentially facing a suspension as a result.
"He lost his legs, swung around the back, and the weight is directly on his ankle," remarked commentator Cooper Cronk on Fox League.
"You can't argue with that," he added after Tago's punishment.
Warren Smith chimed in, noting the immediate distress Gray was in and speculating on potential repercussions from the Match Review Committee.
With Mitchell gearing up for a return in round 10, the Rabbitohs are facing an uphill battle as they navigate through this tumultuous period marked by injuries and disappointing results.