Just when you thought the South Sydney Rabbitohs couldn’t catch a break, another double injury scare has struck during pre-season training, leaving fans holding their breath yet again. After a nightmare 2025 season plagued by injuries, the Rabbitohs are now facing fresh concerns with pre-season trials looming. News Corp reports that star players Latrell Mitchell and high-profile recruit David Fifita have both picked up knocks, adding to the team’s woes. But here’s where it gets even more unsettling: Mitchell, who missed significant time last year, is dealing with a calf issue, while Fifita has injured his ribs—a stark reminder of the fragility of even the toughest athletes.
The silver lining? Neither injury is expected to be long-term, and both players are reportedly on track to be fit for the Charity Shield clash against the St George Illawarra Dragons. Yet, this latest setback raises questions about the team’s ability to shake off their injury curse. Is it just bad luck, or is there something deeper at play?
Mitchell’s repeated injuries in 2025 opened the door for Jye Gray, who seized the opportunity with both hands. The young talent is now poised to claim the number one jumper this year, pushing Mitchell into the centres—a shift that could redefine the team’s dynamics. Meanwhile, Fifita’s own injury-riddled past on the Gold Coast, where an ankle problem sidelined him for much of the season, adds another layer of concern.
The Rabbitohs’ 2025 season was nothing short of catastrophic, with over 200 weeks of injuries—an NRL record for the worst injury run in a single season. Since relocating to Maroubra’s Heffron Park, the club has struggled to find a clean bill of health, leaving fans desperate for a smooth 2026 campaign.
On paper, this team should be contenders for a top-four spot, but last year’s bottom-four finish tells a different story. Despite the chaos, they narrowly avoided the wooden spoon—a small victory in a season of setbacks.
And this is the part most people miss: Could the Rabbitohs’ injury woes be more than just misfortune? Is there a systemic issue lurking beneath the surface, or is it simply the brutal nature of the sport? As the team gears up for the new season, these questions linger, leaving fans and critics alike divided.
What do you think? Is the Rabbitohs’ injury curse just bad luck, or is there something more to it? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some heated discussions!
