The South Sydney Rabbitohs will be without star centre Campbell Graham for the next six months with the club confirming he will undergo surgery on a sternum injury.
Graham had been dealing with the issue throughout the majority of the 2023 NRL season but persevered with painkilling injections prior to games and training sessions.
The 24-year-old made his representative debut for Australia in 2022 and was selected for the NSW Blues in the extended squad for the 2023 Origin series but was forced to withdraw due to the sternum issue.
Graham’s presence will be a massive blow to a Rabbitohs side eager to put behind the disappointment of last season where they stunningly missed the finals.
In a statement released on Thursday, the severity of the injury wasn’t confirmed but there is still optimism of Graham returning in 2023.
“Rabbitohs centre Campbell Graham will undergo surgery next week to repair damage to his sternum which see him sidelined for up to six months,” the statement read.
“Graham played through the injury throughout the 2023 season and has trained throughout the pre-season, however a decision has been made to undergo surgery on the affected area.
“Graham is expected to be back on the field for South Sydney at the back-end of the regular season.”
Graham has played in 131 NRL games for the Rabbitohs since his debut in 2017 and has represented his countries on two occasions.
