Souths clash with NSW Blues after Campbell Graham was dropped from the side – although he should be fit to line up for the Bunnies this weekend
- Souths swipe at NSW Blues after snub
- Campbell Graham dropped from the NSW side
- Graham could play for the Bunnies at the weekend
South Sydney will consider playing Campbell Graham against Canberra on Saturday despite a sternum injury that forced the center’s sudden withdrawal from the NSW State of Origin camp.
The NRL’s form centre, Graham is considered a strong chance to earn an Origin debut in the back-line for the series opener on May 31.
But a star turn from Tom Trbojevic at the weekend put Graham at 18th man when the NSW squad was announced on Monday morning.
The 23-year-old joined the Blues in their Coogee camp on Sunday night but has since informed team staff his recurring sternum injury has flared up in recent days. NSW officials then decided to drop him from the squad.
Taking something of a swipe at the Blues, however, Souths revealed he has not been ruled out of Saturday’s match against Canberra, saying his condition will be monitored during the week.
Souths will consider playing Campbell Graham against Canberra on Saturday despite an injury forcing the center out of the NSW State of Origin camp
NSW officials decided to drop Graham from the squad as soon as they knew his injury had flared up
‘For several weeks, Graham has managed his training loads at the start of each week to allow him to be fit on game day,’ a statement from the Rabbitohs read.
‘Unfortunately, this means he will not be able to fully participate in the Blues’ first sessions this week and, as a result, they have removed him from the squad.
‘Graham will return to the Rabbitohs squad today and will be assessed throughout the week to see if he is fit to play in Saturday’s match against the Canberra Raiders.’
Graham requires pre-game injections to cope with his duties at the South Sydney club and has been wearing a chest guard in recent weeks.
Scans revealed bones around the injury and the center was forced to postpone his involvement with the Blues, who left their camp on Monday.
‘To be honest, it’s very disappointing. I’m a little crushed,’ Graham said.
‘I’m in and around the mix, that’s the positive I’ll take away from it, and keep trying to work with my team.
That’s one of the ones that have been bothering me for a while.
Souths said Graham will return to the Rabbitohs squad today and will be assessed throughout the week to see if he is fit to play in Saturday’s game
‘Unfortunately, it got a bit worse this week. It’s disappointing but the good thing is I’m pretty confident it will be fixed in the next few weeks.’
Graham will be replaced by fellow center Stephen Crichton as NSW’s 18th man for the first game of the series.
