The South Sydney Rabbitohs have been dealt a brutal blow before the 2024 NRL season has even begun, with news that their star centre Campbell Graham is facing significant time on the sidelines.
Graham, 24, could be facing up to six months out, after being forced to deal with a pre-existing injury, according to reports.
A key part of the Rabbitohs contention plans, Graham will be a massive loss for the side hoping to bounce back from a tough 2023 showing.
The Sporting News has the latest updates on Graham's injury and playing status for 2024.
Campbell Graham update: Rabbitohs star sidelined for up to six months after sternum surgery
Rabbitohs' star Campbell Graham is set to be sidelined for up to six months, after the club confirmed he will undergo surgery to repair a damaged sternum.
Graham played through the injury during 2023, but has elected to miss the first half of the 2024 season to address the concern.
According to a press release from the team, Graham is expected to return by the end of the season.
Campbell Graham injury: What happened to South Sydney Rabbitohs centre?
Campbell Graham is set to undergo surgery to mend an ongoing sternum injury.
According to Lara Pitt, the injury is an ongoing sternum issue, one which did not heal over the off-season in the way he and the club had hoped.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Graham played through the injury for the majority of last season, requiring painkiller injections.
Will Campbell Graham play State of Origin?
With Graham set to miss up to six months following his surgery, it is unlikely that he will play in any of the 2024 State of Origin games.
The State of Origin series begins in early June and carries through until mid-July, which would be around the time that Graham would be returning if he was to miss the full six months.
Even if he returns earlier than this, it would still be unlikely that he is able to muster the form necessary to crack the Blues squad.
This will be a tough blow to Graham, who is yet to make his Origin debut and was unlucky to miss selection in 2023.
