South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow faces an uncertain return after an inconclusive shoulder assessment, ruling him out of the season opener against the Dolphins. The club released a statement indicating Arrow has undergone multiple investigations over the past four to six weeks, with the latest specialist review suggesting a treatment plan over the next four to six weeks to determine whether nerve issues in the shoulder can settle. A follow-up evaluation is scheduled in six weeks to reassess his condition.
Arrow appeared in 24 games last season, but injuries limited his playing time in the two preceding campaigns, contributing to a fluctuating recent track record. The 30-year-old remains under contract with South Sydney through 2027, but the current health update casts doubt on when—or if—he will return to action.
Meanwhile, other NRL sides are navigating their own injury challenges. Dolphins forward Tom Flegler is set for a first-grade comeback this weekend after a nearly two-year layoff due to a complicated shoulder injury. NRL Physio Brien Seeney noted the parallels between Flegler’s shoulder issues and Arrow’s, highlighting that both have endured complex nerve problems and that Arrow appears to be entering a similarly uncertain recovery path.
In team selections, South Sydney will deploy Latrell Mitchell at left centre for the encounter with the Dolphins, with veteran Euan Aitken earning a back-row starting spot over Tallis Duncan. Ashton Ward will operate at halfback due to Jamie Humphreys’ suspension, while Bronson Garlick starts at hooker as Brandon Smith recovers from a calf injury.
Other injury updates around the league include: Titans halfback Jayden Campbell missing the opener against the Sharks with a low-grade hamstring strain, Penrith’s Liam Martin sidelined by a calf issue, and Luke Garner stepping in to start ahead of Isaiah Papali’i. The Storm will see Moses Leo line up at centre, Nick Meaney shift to the wing to cover Xavier Coates, and young forwards Ativalu Lisati and Joe Chan taking spots in the back row amid a reshuffle. The Eels will feature Jonah Pezet in the halves, with Brian Kelly making his club debut at left centre. Daly Cherry-Evans will debut for the Roosters at five-eighth, while Reece Robson’s injury keeps him out. Manly will bring Joey Walsh off the bench as Jamal Fogarty starts at halfback against his former club, the Raiders, who will pair Ethan Sanders with Ethan Strange in the halves. The Roar’s reshuffled line also includes Matt Timoko on an extended bench for the Green Machine, with Simi Sasagi starting at right centre and Noah Martin at flanker. Sharks winger Sione Katoa has the green light to face the Titans as Lachlan Ilias is named at halfback in place of the injured Campbell.
As always, developments continue to unfold across the league in the lead-up to Round 1, with coaches and fans watching closely how these early decisions shape the season ahead.
