The South Sydney Rabbitohs are facing yet another alarming situation as they gear up for the upcoming pre-season, having just come off a challenging year filled with injury woes. The latest reports from News Corp indicate that both Latrell Mitchell and their highly-anticipated off-season acquisition, David Fifita, have sustained injuries during training sessions.
Latrell Mitchell, who unfortunately spent a significant portion of 2025 sidelined due to injuries, has now encountered a calf issue. Meanwhile, David Fifita is dealing with a rib injury. Fortunately, it appears that neither player is expected to be out for an extended period; sources suggest that both athletes will recover in time to participate in the Charity Shield match against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Mitchell's struggles with injuries last season paved the way for Jye Gray to seize his opportunity, and it is widely believed that Gray will take over the number one jersey for South Sydney this year, allowing Mitchell to shift into a center position.
Fifita, too, had a tumultuous year plagued by injuries while playing for the Gold Coast, where he missed considerable time due to an ankle issue before ultimately being released from the team at the end of the season.
During 2025, the Rabbitohs dealt with an astounding total of over 200 weeks lost to injuries, setting the NRL record for the most difficult season in this regard. Since relocating their operations to Heffron Park in Maroubra, the club has struggled to shake off what seems like an injury curse, and fans are hopeful for a more fortunate run in 2026.
On paper, the Rabbitohs possess a roster that should be competitive for a top-four finish, yet they ended up in the bottom four last season, narrowly avoiding the dreaded wooden spoon despite the chaos caused by injuries. This predicament raises questions about the team's resilience and the effectiveness of their training methods: how can they turn their luck around? What changes need to be made to ensure a healthier roster moving forward? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions on these pressing issues!
