South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell may not play again this year, in a second blow to the Rabbitohs’ finals chances after captain Cameron Murray succumbed to an ankle injury.

Murray suffered the injury in the loss to Canberra on Saturday night and is expected to be sidelined for up to a month. The loss of the NSW forward is set to be compounded by the news that Mitchell is struggling to return to the field due to his own injury issues.

Mitchell’s scheduled return from a back injury last month was aborted after he tore his calf in training. It was hoped Mitchell could be fit for the round-23 clash against Parramatta on August 8, but there is no guarantee he will play again this year.

The loss of the star duo is a huge blow for the Rabbitohs, who are in seventh position on the ladder and fighting for one of the final spots in the top eight.

Murray and Mitchell are part of an already bulging casualty ward that includes Sean Keppie (thumb, expected return round 23), Bud Sullivan (concussion, TBC), Dayne Jennings, (knee, TBC) Adam Elliott (ankle, season) and Talanoa Penitani (hamstring, round 26).

More to come