Brandon Smith’s struggles with injury have resurfaced, as he re-injured his right calf during the Rabbitohs’ recent match against Melbourne. Just 14 minutes into the game at AAMI Park, Smith left the field, visibly frustrated and screaming as he headed for the sideline. He quickly went up the tunnel, where it was soon confirmed he had aggravated his calf injury once again. Although he remained in full kit on the sidelines, he was seen with ice applied to his leg.
Smith, who initially injured his calf in pre-season on February 25, had just returned to play in round six. Following the match, Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett downplayed the severity of the new injury, expressing hope that Smith would be ready for the next round.
Despite Smith’s early exit, the Rabbitohs had a dominant performance, leading 4-0 thanks to Alex Johnston’s opening try and extending the lead to 24-0 by half-time with additional tries from Johnston, Campbell Graham, Matt Dufty, and Tallis Duncan. The match ended with South Sydney defeating Melbourne 48-6, marking their first victory in Melbourne in 28 years and delivering the Storm’s heaviest loss at AAMI Park.
In a further setback for the Storm, former Rabbitohs player Jahrome Hughes also suffered a wrist injury in the second half after a try-scoring effort by Euan Aitken. Despite initially trying to carry on, Hughes eventually succumbed to his injury and left the field, expressing his frustration by slamming the ground.
Tallis Duncan and Latrell Mitchell shone for the Rabbitohs; Duncan notably scored a hat-trick while consistently challenging Storm star Cameron Munster. Mitchell contributed significantly with two try assists, three line break assists, and four tackle breaks, showcasing a strong performance that helped secure a resounding victory for South Sydney.