South Sydney rocked by new blow around Tevita Tatola amid young gun's training collapse

South Sydney are dealing with a number of injuries to players.

Sports Reporter

Fri, 19 Apr 2024, 1:23 am·3-min read

South Sydney forward Tevita Tatola has been dealt a huge blow having been ruled out for two to three months after breaking a bone in his foot during his team's loss. Tatola suffered the metatarsal fracture during the early stages of the Rabbitohs' NRL loss to the Sharks last weekend.

And the star underwent surgery on the injury to kickstart rehab. The Rabbitohs head of performance Andrew Croll claimed Tatola would be non-weight bearing for six weeks and will be looking at a return in 12 weeks. This would see him return in round 18. Tatola has played all six games for the Rabbitohs in 2024, but only managed 14 minutes last week before the brutal injury.

South Sydney forward Tevita Tatola (pictured) is set to miss 8-12 weeks after breaking a bone in his foot. (Getty Images)

There was more scary news for the Rabbitohs on Thursday when young star Leon Te Hau collapsed on the training field. The youngster was reportedly ill before he collapsed, according to The Daily Telegraph. Te Hau was then taken to hospital. He remains under observation.

Te Hau has played a number of games for the Rabbitohs' NSW Cup side. The Rabbitohs and fans are hoping for a quick recovery for the 20-year-old. Speaking on Triple M Radio, The Daily Telegraph reporter Brent Read broke the news and claimed the club were 'rocked' after the incident.

Tevita Tatola suffered a 5th metatarsal fracture (bone in the foot) - will require surgery with the Rabbitohs expecting a 12 week recovery time.

5th metatarsal fractures notorious for tricky healing process - one of the bones in the foot with poor blood supply. pic.twitter.com/oSyVxiaHNV
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) April 18, 2024

Jason Demetriou fighting for his job amid Rabbitohs drama

The news comes at a horrible time for the Rabbitohs who are facing a number of injuries and suspensions after a poor start to the season. Sitting at the bottom of the ladder, coach Jason Demetriou is under pressure to keep his job with the next two games against the Panthers and Storm.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Tevita Tatola of the Rabbitohs looks dejected after losing the round 19 NRL match between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium on July 08, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

He will do this without Tatola, Tyrone Munro and Latrell Mitchell. Munro was another injury against the Sharks after fracturing his collarbone. He will also undergo surgery.

Mitchell was suspended after his elbow against Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson. The fullback has struggled with his performances so far in 2024 and is a real chance of playing centre when he returns if youngster Jye Gray can shine across the next two games.

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Mitchell was a premiership winning centre at the Roosters and has dominated Origin level in the position. Many fans have been calling for Mitchell to move back to the centre where he can focus on his attacking game. And coach Demetriou also put the challenge to Gray ahead of the next two games and claimed he could hold onto the No.1 jersey.

The Rabbitohs have a bye this week before crucial matches against the Storm and Panthers that will show the club how good Gray really is. The 20-year-old was impressive for the Rabbitohs against the Sharks last weekend, running for 172 metres from 15 carries and breaking seven tackles. He also produced an offload and 54 post-contact metres in a solid display.