Andrew Johns has issued a warning to the Rabbitohs regarding their injured captain, Cameron Murray, suggesting that the club should refrain from allowing him to join the Ashes tour of England this year. Although Murray has yet to play this season due to a ruptured Achilles sustained in the pre-season, he is reportedly nearing full fitness.
As South Sydney is no longer in the finals race, there are concerns about whether it would be wise for them to risk their star player, who is on a significant contract. With his recovery still in progress, Johns emphasises that the Rabbitohs should prioritise having him ready for the 2026 season, advocating for a cautious approach to his comeback.
Johns expresses disbelief over the notion of Murray playing for the Kangaroos after being out for the majority of 2025. He highlights the financial aspect, stating that with Murray’s substantial salary, the focus for South Sydney should be on ensuring he is fit by October 1. He notes the potential disruption to Murray’s preparation for next season if he were to participate in the tour, which would see him return late.
Conversely, Brad Fittler raises the question of the Rabbitohs’ authority over a player’s participation in representative games, suggesting that it might be challenging to prevent Murray from representing Australia. Fittler references Tom Trbojevic, who missed significant playtime yet returned to the international stage without issue. He acknowledges the complexities introduced by the collective bargaining agreement between the NRL and RLPA, as players are required to take adequate breaks, which could conflict with Murray’s involvement in international duties.
Should he be fit, Murray would likely secure a position on the Australian squad, having previously represented the national team multiple times, including in the 2022 World Cup final. Moreover, the situation is exacerbated by the potential loss of key players like Payne Haas and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to Samoa, which could create shortages in the Kangaroos’ pack.
Meanwhile, Kevin Walters has recently been appointed as the new coach for the Kangaroos, succeeding Mal Meninga, who will take charge of the Perth Bears starting from 2027. As the team prepares for the upcoming Test series against England, the dynamics surrounding Murray, his health, and the Rabbitohs will be closely watched.