Johnston backed to step up at fullback

SOUTH Sydney players have anointed Alex Johnston as the man to replace Latrell Mitchell at fullback, with the star No. 1 expected to be sidelined for at least a month.

The Rabbitohs will be without Mitchell perhaps for the rest of the season after he hurt his hamstring during Thursday’s dominant win over Parramatta.

Mitchell’s absence is a blow for the Bunnies given his stellar recent form, but his teammates have full faith in Johnston as his replacement.

“AJ has proven time and time again that he is more than capable to do the job back there,” winger Campbell Graham said about Johnston, who is expected to return after sitting out the Parramatta win with concussion.

“He will bring a bit of experience back to the side.

“But he (Latrell) is a big loss for us. His injury looked pretty ugly.

“It is a torn hammy, so depending on the grade and the severity, we can expect to miss him for a couple of weeks.”

Rabbitohs lock Cameron Murray believes Johnston is the man to replace Mitchell at fullback given his experience in the position. Murray also expects him to play with a point to prove as he fights for his future beyond this season.

Johnston still doesn’t have a contract, and it’s unlikely he will remain at the Rabbitohs due to the salary cap.

“Every time we’ve asked Alex to deliver this year, he has been exceptional for us,” Murray said.

“He is a very loved player, and if he is out there at the back, I’ve got every confidence in him to get the job done.”

Souths have rediscovered their finest form in big wins over Manly and Parramatta, but Murray isn’t getting carried away.

The Rabbitohs face Melbourne at ANZ Stadium next Friday night and finish in Round 20 with a clash against back-to-back champions the Sydney Roosters.