Cody Walker has suggested overworked Cameron Murray will benefit from refresh as the South Sydney five-eighth prepares to step into the lock’s shoes and lead a ragtag Rabbitohs side against St George Illawarra.
At times through the Rabbitohs’ 1-7 start to the season that led to Jason Demetriou’s sacking, Murray has looked like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
The lock has been troubled by a knee bursa all season and Souths announced following last week’s 42-12 loss to Penrith that Murray would miss the next eight weeks, including State of Origin, with a hip issue.
But on the home front, Murray’s absence adds to the Bunnies’ growing list of injuries that includes Tevita Tatola, Campbell Graham, Jye Gray and the club’s two halfbacks, Lachlan Ilias and Dean Hawkins.
It means Walker will partner debutant No.7 Dion Teaupa, journeyman Gehamat Shibasaki will start on the wing and reserve grade forward Matt French will come onto the bench.
Latrell Mitchell returns but Walker, who will play his 200th NRL game, said Murray’s absence may benefit the Rabbitohs skipper in the long run.
“Cam pulled up a little bit sore and he’s got that hip flexor injury,” Walker said.
“It’s not happening for us at the moment, we’re not getting that luck but we’ll put up a side that’ll go out there and fight.
“Cam’s greatest strength as a middle forward is he’s always in the game and cleaning up the mess.
“He’s doing all the crap stuff not many people want to do in the NRL, but it’ll give him a much-needed break.
“He probably won’t say that himself but he probably deserves it.”
Walker is hoping that Mitchell’s return will go some way to offsetting the loss of Murray.
Saturday’s trip to Kogarah will be Mitchell’s first game in three weeks after he was sidelined for using his elbow to fend off Shaun Johnson.
“He fills people with confidence when he puts that jersey on,” Walker said.
“You look across at him in the sheds and he’s an elite player and we’re looking forward to having him back.”
Meanwhile, Walker was keen to downplay talk surrounding South Sydney’s pursuit of Wayne Bennett.
The Rabbitohs are edging closer to a deal which would bring the supercoach back to the club as Ben Hornby sees out 2024 as interim coach.
“There’s no secret about what I feel about Wayne and how the club feels about him,” Walker added.
“Obviously that’s not important at the moment.
“That’s further down the track and I probably won’t comment on something that’s far off in terms of next season.
“I think we’ve got more important things to worry about at the moment.”