South Sydney could avoid two major disasters just weeks out from their pre-season challenge after Latrell Mitchell and David Fifita were injured in training.
Thankfully, both players are considered minor players and the high-profile duo will be fine to feature in the club’s first trial match against the Dragons next month.
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According to Code Sports, Mitchell suffered a calf injury and Fifita reportedly suffered a rib injury.
The Bunnies suffered a horrific injury crisis last season, with Mitchell missing most of the season.
Fifita started his bounce-back season after a disappointing end with the Titans by wearing new colors and showing off his slimmer physique.
Fifita is expected to start on the left side next to Mitchell, who will be the team’s left center centre.
Manly star breaks silence over terrible Katoa clash
Sea Eagles young cannon Lihi Hopoate has opened up about an accidental collision with Tongan teammate Eli Katoa hours before the back-rower was taken to hospital.
Hopoate and Katoa clashed during the warm-up before the game against New Zealand late last year.
Despite the severe head knock, Katoa was cleared to play, but then suffered two further head knocks against the Kiwis.
Katoa returned to the sideline after two of those games, then suffered a seizure minutes later and was taken to the hospital to be treated for a brain hemorrhage.
Katoa, who underwent brain surgery, will be ruled out for the entire 2026 season.
When you talk to SMH, Mr Hopoate explained how the collision occurred.
“I had mixed feelings because it was my fault that I gave Eli his first concussion,” he said.
Eli Katoa returns to Storm training | 00:43
“We were both aiming for a high ball, but we couldn’t see each other and ended up colliding.”
Knowing what he knows now, Hopoate “definitely” would have advised Katoa not to play, but his team-mate was cleared by Tonga’s medical staff and the back-rower was desperate to represent his country.
“I kept checking on him. For him, he felt he had an obligation to the players (to play) because he was wearing the red (Tonga) jersey,” Hopoate said.
“I sent him a message a few weeks ago to check on him. I sent him a few presents.”
Katoa is expected to return to the field for the Storm in the 2027 season.