Injured Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray ‘making progress’ in bid to be ready for season opener

Cameron Murray, captain of South Sydney, has stated that while he hasn’t yet confirmed his fitness for round one, he is making positive progress.

During the NRL season launch on Monday, the Rabbitohs back-rower discussed his recovery from a wrist injury sustained while representing the Kangaroos during the Pacific Championships last year.

Murray played a Test match against New Zealand in October with a fractured wrist, but was later sidelined for the remainder of the tournament and underwent surgery.

He only resumed training without a protective brace on his injured wrist late last month.

Now, he’s pushing to be fit for the Rabbitohs’ opening match of the season against the Dolphins, scheduled for Suncorp Stadium on March 7.

“There are still a few more criteria to meet before I can confidently say I’m ready for round one, but things are on the right track,” Murray informed reporters on Monday.

“It wasn’t an impact injury or anything unusual; I attempted a tackle on a player who was moving sideways, I twisted around and felt a flick in my wrist. It became progressively more painful throughout the training session.

“I was eager to participate in the final [of the Pacific Cup] and was mentally preparing to ensure I was fit. However, after a scan, the doctor informed me that I couldn’t play and that it needed to be addressed immediately to avoid further injury.”

He mentioned his goal is to return to contact training by the end of next week.

“I’ll keep pushing myself and see how I progress,” he added in an interview with 2GB’s Wide World of Sports.

“I think I’ll make a decision closer to round one.”

Meanwhile, veteran five-eighth Cody Walker is also striving to regain fitness for the Rabbitohs’ season opener following a calf injury that has disrupted his efforts to build a partnership with new South Sydney halfback Lewis Dodd.

Other players in the Rabbitohs’ injury list include second-rower Jai Arrow (shoulder), prop Tevita Tatola (foot), centre Campbell Graham (hand), and prolific winger Alex Johnston (Achilles).