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South Sydney’s dominant win has been overshadowed by new injury concerns, while Brisbane’s mounting casualty list deepens.
South Sydney Rabbitohs are facing fresh injury concerns despite their emphatic 48-6 win over the Melbourne Storm, with Brandon Smith and Jamie Humphreys both in doubt for the coming round.
The Rabbitohs produced one of their most dominant displays of the season at AAMI Park, led by Latrell Mitchell and Tallis Duncan, who crossed for three tries.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy later acknowledged the performance fell well below standard after his side conceded heavily for the second time this year.
Smith's return from an early-season calf issue was short-lived. The utility forward left the field during the first half after appearing to aggravate the same injury, casting doubt over his availability for the clash with the Newcastle Knights.
Coach Wayne Bennett indicated the club remained hopeful, although no timeline has been confirmed.
According to NRL Physio Brien Seeney, calf injuries of this nature typically require a recovery period of a few weeks, suggesting Smith may miss at least one match.
There is, however, potential cover, with Adam Elliott nearing a return after overcoming a bicep injury sustained last season.
Humphreys is also under an injury cloud after leaving the field late with a rib concern. The halfback has recently formed a steady combination with Cody Walker, meaning his absence would disrupt the side's playmaking structure.
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos have suffered another setback, with Brendan Piakura expected to miss around a month due to a knee ligament injury sustained in their win over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Seeney described the injury as involving a less commonly affected ligament, with a typical recovery timeframe of about four weeks.
It adds to an already lengthy injury list for Brisbane, who were without several key players in that match, including Payne Haas, Reece Walsh and Patrick Carrigan.
There is some relief on the horizon, with Carrigan due back from suspension and Walsh a chance to return.
Even so, Piakura's absence further tests the Broncos' forward depth as they look to build on consecutive wins following Adam Reynolds' return.
