Double Bunny blow as Bennett eyes Broncos clash
WAYNE Bennett’s return showdown with Brisbane has potentially suffered a double body blow with tough backrower Jaydn Su’A facing a onematch ban and skipper Adam Reynolds in serious doubt with neck nerve damage.
Su’A was hit with a grade one dangerous contact charge for a late shot on St George Illawarra’s Cameron McInnes and is looking at a onematch suspension regardless of whether he takes the early guilty plea or fights the charge at the judiciary.
For that reason, it would be expected the Rabbitohs will contest the charge that really looked to be a line ball call given Su’A looked committed to the tackle on McInnes before he offloaded the ball.
If Su’A is ruled out, it could put Jack Johns back in line for another NRL call-up when the Rabbitohs meet the Broncos at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.
Meanwhile, Reynolds was left in terrible pain after copping a whack from Tariq Sims which left him suffering some degree of nerve damage in his neck.
Reynolds will be given every chance to prove his fitness but, if he is ruled out, Troy Dargan would most likely get another call up to partner Cody Walker in the halves.
Bennett was proud of his team’s fightback against the Dragons and rated Walker’s performance his best of the season.
Walker didn’t start the game too well but, once Reynolds was forced off, Walker took control of the game.
Latrell Mitchell also continued to silence his critics with his silky skills. It seems to have put an end to the debate about Mitchell supposedly not being suited to fullback.
Alex Johnston’s developing onfield chemistry with Mitchell could be the key to keeping him at South Sydney next year, as rival NRL clubs bid for the off contract flyer.