Cam Murray, the South Sydney Rabbitohs captain, will make his highly anticipated return on September 29, 2023, for a crucial match against the Sydney Roosters. Murray, who has been sidelined for the entire season due to an Achilles injury, assured coach Wayne Bennett and the medical staff that he is fit to play without risk of re-injury.
The decision to allow Murray to participate in this match has sparked considerable debate. Some critics argue that returning for just one game could jeopardize his recovery for the upcoming pre-season. However, Bennett emphasized that the final decision rested with Murray, who expressed a strong desire to contribute to the team.
“It was purely Cam’s decision,” Bennett stated. “I’m really proud of what he has done and how he has gone about it. He wanted to play a game and wanted to play with his teammates. Now he has this opportunity.”
Murray’s return comes at a vital time for the Rabbitohs, who are looking to disrupt the finals aspirations of their arch-rivals, the Roosters. His leadership and experience are expected to have a significant impact on the field.
Bennett praised Murray’s commitment over the past few weeks, noting, “He’s trained full-on with everyone else the last three weeks. It hasn’t come out of the blue.” The coach also indicated that Murray prefers to come off the bench initially, allowing him to ease back into the competitive environment after an extended absence.
In other team news, Brandon Smith, a former Roosters player, is preparing for his first match against his old teammates. Smith is returning as a key player following his involvement in a police investigation regarding illegal betting and drug-related allegations. Bennett noted that Smith has handled the situation well and is focused on contributing positively to the team.
Meanwhile, star player Latrell Mitchell did not participate in training on Tuesday and is scheduled to consult with a specialist regarding a potential surgery for a bulging disc in his neck. His presence will be missed as the team gears up for a challenging match.
Murray’s teammates expressed their excitement about his return. Keaon Koloamatangi, who shared a junior career with Murray, remarked on the significance of his comeback, stating, “Even though there’s nothing to play for in terms of finals, it shows you how much this club means to him by trying to come back early. He’s ready to go.”
Jack Wighton, who is also returning from a suspension, echoed Koloamatangi’s sentiments about Murray’s dedication. “He’s a different beast. He wants to play with his mates and show why he’s our captain,” Wighton said.
As the Rabbitohs prepare for the showdown against the Roosters, they also face the possibility of impacting the finals scenario. A victory for South Sydney could force the Roosters to rely on a second-string Canberra team to defeat the Dolphins on October 1, 2023, or risk having their season end prematurely.
Additionally, winger Alex Johnston is on the verge of breaking Ken Irvine‘s long-standing try-scoring record. Johnston needs to score three tries in the upcoming match to achieve this milestone, a feat he has accomplished 16 times in his career.
With all eyes on the field this Friday, the return of Cam Murray not only boosts the morale of the Rabbitohs but also sets the stage for an intense match that could have lasting implications for both teams.
