TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: James Roberts of the Rabbitohs walks from the field during the round 18 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at 1300SMILES Stadium on July 20, 2019 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
The Rabbitohs have been forced into a late change for Friday night's preliminary final against Canberra, with James Roberts set to miss with a thumb dislocation.
Coach Wayne Bennett revealed that the centre had not yet recovered in time for the grand final decider and it would be too painful to play.
He confirmed that a call was made on the club's Thursday morning team meeting.
“He is too sore,” Bennett told News Corp Australia.
“His body language (told us). He knows he can’t play.”
Bennett said Campell Graham would move into the centres, with Corey Allan coming onto the wing.
The legendary mentor said the team must push on and focus on the task at hand.
“It is what it is. We can’t do anything about it,” Bennett added.
“We have good coverage. We are fine.”