Rabbitohs star centre Campbell Graham will go under the knife and could miss half the season after his lingering sternum injury failed to heal this summer.
Graham required a painkilling needle every game last season to keep the injury at bay and club doctors were confident it would heal naturally with rest after the season.
However, South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly has confirmed to Fox Sports that his recovery hasn’t tracked as expected and he’ll now have surgery in Brisbane next week.
Watch sport this summer live with no ad breaks in play on Kayo Sports. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >
Graham has already undergone a shoulder reconstruction this off-season and that injury is healing well.
But he hasn’t been able to complete contact work all pre-season due his sternum troubles and now faces 4-6 months on the sideline.
The 24-year-old has previously tried to fix the injury with bone infusion treatment, which is more commonly used in elderly osteoporosis patients.
Graham isn’t expected to play until around Round 15 at the earliest which means the Kangaroos outside back almost certainly won’t be considered to make his NSW debut.
Isaiah Tass will likely slot into the centres for Graham which should see young gun Tyrone Munro get a regular spot on the wing.
NRL to link US broadcast deal | 00:32
MORE NRL NEWS
TEAM TIPS RD 1: Titans star duo racing clock as Storm favourite set for early return
MANLY’S 2024 VERDICT: Sea Eagles’ elephant in the room amid fix to $1m enigma
‘IS THIS THE RIGHT CALL?’: Mahoney’s doubts as Dogs star makes big admission
‘F***ING OATH’: Why Curtis Scott wants to punch Dylan Walker’s face … again
‘VEGAS DOZEN’: NRL stars summoned to US Embassy for grilling as visa D-day looms
However, it will be trickier for Souths’ season opener in Las Vegas, with star recruit Jack Wighton unavailable through suspension.
Braidon Burns is playing in their first trial this weekend but he’s on a NSW Cup contract which means he’s unavailable for NRL selection until Round 11 unless the club gets an exemption.
Taane Milne, Jacob Gagai and Josiah Karapani are options for Round 1.
