South Sydney centre Campbell Graham has expressed his nervousness leading up to his much-anticipated return to rugby league, which took place on Friday night. The 25-year-old had not played for the Rabbitohs since 2023 due to undergoing surgery on his sternum, a procedure necessitated by persistent pain and complications stemming from an earlier injury.
Although Graham had been tipped to return during the previous season, he did not take to the field, as South Sydney opted for a cautious recovery strategy. He finally rejoined the squad after a challenging period marked by a hand injury during pre-season training, which threatened to delay his comeback further.
In his return match against the Dolphins, Graham made an impactful contribution, notching up three offloads and covering 201 metres over 80 minutes of play. Reflecting on his long-awaited return to first-grade football, he stated, “It feels unreal… I missed it a lot.” After a lengthy 553-day hiatus, Graham expressed gratitude for the opportunity to wear the red and green jersey again. He admitted to feeling nervous before the match, though it was overshadowed by excitement and appreciation for being able to play alongside his teammates.
Graham’s performance included playing at centre and shifting to wing, during which he delivered some significant tackles, indicating that he was feeling the physical toll of the game. He acknowledged, “My body will be sore tomorrow. It’s been a long time between drinks, so I’ll be feeling it, but getting the win always makes it hurt a little less.”
Prior to his injury struggles, Graham was on the brink of selection for the New South Wales State of Origin team. Since debuting with the Rabbitohs in 2017, he has made 131 appearances and scored 64 tries. His return to the field is a notable event for both Graham and the team, who are set to face the Dragons in Wollongong next Saturday.