Wayne Bennett's return to South Sydney is in disarray with Latrell Mitchell to join Cameron Murray on the sidelines and miss at least the first six weeks of the NRL season.
Already reeling from news that Murray could miss the entire 2025 campaign with a ruptured achilles tendon, the Rabbitohs received further bad news regarding Mitchell on Thursday.
Scans have confirmed the No.1 will require close to a two-month rehabilitation on a hamstring tear.
The club's $1 million men both went down within five minutes of each other at a regulation training session at Heffron Park on Wednesday, leaving the start of Souths' campaign in tatters.
The injuries come after the Rabbitohs also suffered a horror injury run last season, with Mitchell only available for 11 games.
Youngster Jye Gray is now expected to be thrust into the fullback position for when South Sydney start their season against the Dolphins on March 7.
Making the situation even more frustrating for the Rabbitohs is that Mitchell had looked in peak fitness this summer, after overcoming last year's foot issues.
"Latrell couldn't have done anything more to prepare himself," Souths CEO Blake Solly said.
"Wayne and I were only remarking watching him move last Friday how good he looked and how fit he looked.
"His movement was probably the best we have seen from him at the club. But this is just one setback, it happens in professional sport and happens at clubs.
"I am sure everything he has done since August last year will stand him in good stead to get on the field sooner rather than later."
Mitchell's injury is in his right hamstring, after he tore his left hamstring in both 2020 and 2022 and spent considerable amounts of time off the field.
Solly said Mitchell was disappointed by the news.
"That's like Cam and any player who suffers an injury at this time of year when they are desperate to get on the field," Solly said.
"But knowing the ferocious competitor Latrell is, it will turn to how quickly can I get back on the field and what are the things I have to tick off before I get there."
Souths are also yet to set a surgery date for Murray, and are unsure if he will return this year.
Ruptured achilles have the potential to rule players out for up to eight months, while others have returned after five or six.
Keaon Kolomatangi is one option to move to lock, while youngster Tallis Duncan could also start at No.13.
"He has had a rotten run with injuries," Solly said of Murray.
"One of the great things about Cameron is he is very resilient, he is a leader and loves the sport.
"He will already be focusing on how quick he can get back on the field and help his teammates."
The Rabbitohs also have other injury concerns, with Campbell Graham (hand) and Alex Johnston (achilles) both sidelined and Cody Walker (calf) racing to play round one.
