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Cameron Murray and Jye Gray in devastating news as Rabbitohs face fresh Latrell Mitchell truth

The Rabbitohs nightmare season continues after a major season.

The Rabbitohs have been dealt two major blows after their horror week continues with captain Cameron Murray facing between six to eight weeks out of the NRL, while young fullback Jye Gray is facing a similar spell on the sideline. Rabbitohs fans were hoping new coach Ben Hornby could turn their team's woes around after Jason Demetriou was sacked on Tuesday this week.

And the Rabbitohs face an even bigger battle heading forward as Murray has been ruled out for around eight weeks with a hip flexor injury. Murray was nearly a certain selection for Michael Maguire's Blues team having been one of the better New South Wales players last year.

Jye Gray tackled and Cameron Murray reacts.
The Rabbitohs have been dealt two major blows with Cameron Murray (pictured right) and Jye Gray (pictured left) both facing eight weeks out injured. (Images: Fox Sports/Getty Images)

The Rabbitohs captain is now no chance of playing for NSW in the series opener on June 5, and would be an unlikely chance to be fit for Game II on June 26. The backrower has been a regular in Origin for the Blues since his 2019 debut, missing only two games through injury since then in 2020.

Unfortunately for the Rabbitohs, Murray has appeared battered and bruised through Souths' nightmare start to 2024. Murray's injury will further strengthen Haumole Olakau'atu's Origin case, with the Manly second-rower a strong chance to debut at Accor Stadium.

Hornby was hoping his changes would make a difference against the Panthers, but the reigning champions ran away with the match 42-12. And the interim coach will be scrambling to find replacements next week with a sickening injury toll. Gray never returned after half-time following Izak Tago's hip-drop tackle in the first half.

Cameron Murray looks on.
Cameron Murray (pictured) could be out for up to eight weeks.

Tago copped a one week ban for the tackle, but Gray is facing a more brutal time on the sideline. The 20-year-old will undergo surgery on his ankle. NRL physio Brien Seeney claimed the usual recovery period is around six to eight weeks.

Gray was seen by many as the long-term fullback for the remainder of the season. Gray has been in a shining light for the struggling Rabbitohs outfit and many felt he would hold onto his position when Mitchell came back from suspension.

Gray's latest setback will now mean Latrell Mitchell will most likely now return to fullback. This comes after a poor start to the season for Mitchell, which saw him come under criticism for his effort in the No.1 jersey. The Rabbitohs injury toll is devastating in 2024.

Prop Tevita Tatola, centre Campbell Graham and young winger Tyrone Munro are all sidelined long term through injury. Halfback Dean Hawkins suffered a quad injury against the Panthers, while Lachlan Ilias's season is all but over after his leg was broken playing reserve grade.