LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Kevin Walters faces another setback ahead of the Ashes tour as Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray has withdrawn from Kangaroos contention. Murray plans to return to the NRL in round 27 against the Roosters, marking his first appearance of the season.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs captain suffered a ruptured Achilles during pre-season, which set off a string of injuries for the club in 2025. Despite the challenges, Murray has dedicated himself to making a comeback before the season concludes.
Many believe that given his situation, Murray should sit out the season's final match, but he has expressed a desire to return. Rabbitohs supporters would be excited to see him lead his teammates after a difficult season.
Had he returned in time, Murray could have been in the running for a green and gold jersey. New Kangaroos coach Walters has mentioned that he'd only need to see '40 minutes' of Murray in NRL action for him to be considered for selection in the Ashes tour.
Murray is recognized as one of the top forwards in the sport, having excelled at both lock and second-row positions for NSW and Australia. However, in a significant blow to Walters, Murray has opted out of Kangaroos selection.
Although he hasn't been confirmed for the final regular-season game, the 27-year-old stated that he doesn't want to take the spot of another player who has put in the effort to be eligible for Aussie selection. He communicated with the Kangaroos coach, expressing that he shouldn't wear the green and gold jersey in 2025.
"It doesn't sit right with me playing 20 to 30 minutes and going straight into a rep jersey - I owe my club and teammates more than that," he told The Sydney Morning Herald. Despite his decision to properly recover during the off-season, Murray still aims to return this week for the upcoming clash against the Roosters.