South Sydney Rabbitohs deny Heffron Park training ground, programs to blame for Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray injuries

Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly said the training surface was not a concern.

“We actually got the playing surface checked by independent specialists three weeks ago, and it was perfect,” Solly said.

“Some of the soft-tissue injuries we had last pre-season were not even at Heffron Park. They happened when we were training at Redfern before Christmas whilst Heffron was unavailable.

“Every high-performance and coaching department reviews processes and programs regularly. What’s been interesting about our situation is there have been no two long-term injuries that have occurred in exactly the same situation. Junior Tatola’s [foot] was a freak injury, and so was Campbell’s. Cameron [wrist] and Shaq’s injuries occurred during representative games. It’s not a case of them being soft-tissue injuries affecting one specific part of the body this pre-season.

“But we’ll continue to review everything, and we have every confidence in our high-performance and coaching staff.”

Solly praised coach Wayne Bennett who kept the playing group calm and upbeat after the tough scenes involving Mitchell and Murray.

“This is where Wayne’s experience and wisdom and years of working with players comes to the fore – that’s why we got him back here,” Solly said.

“He’s remained extremely upbeat. I don’t think Wayne thinks that anything that happened yesterday will stop us from potentially winning a comp. Nobody here is writing off our season.”

The Rabbitohs travel to Mudgee to take on St George Illawarra in the Charity Shield on Saturday.

Jye Gray will start at fullback in place of Mitchell, while Lachlan Hubner will start at lock for Murray. Tallis Duncan is likely to be the starting No.13 in round one against the Dolphins.

“Latrell couldn’t have done any more to prepare himself [for the season],” Solly said.

“Wayne and I were only remarking [while] watching him move and train last Friday how good he looked and how fit he looked – his movement was the best we’ve seen from him at the club.

“We were all getting very excited. This is just one step back. It happens in professional sport, and it happens at clubs.

“I’m sure everything he’s done since August last year will stand him in really good stead to get back on the field sooner than later.

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“He’s disappointed, but his attention will turn pretty quickly, knowing the ferocious competitor Latrell is, to how quickly can I get back on the field, and what are the things I need to tick off before I get there.”

As for Murray, Solly said: “One of the great things about Cameron is he’s very resilient, he’s a leader, he loves the sport and he’ll be already focusing on how quickly he can get back on the field and helping his teammates.”

Close to 10,000 fans are expected to pack Glen Willow Regional Sports Stadium to watch the two proud Sydney clubs in a clash that will include former Rabbitohs Lachie Ilias and Damien Cook taking on their old team.