Broken arms rules King out for Souths

Updated September 10, 2012 19:12:53

Matt King's NRL season is officially over with the Rabbitohs confirming the centre has a broken arm.

But the news was not all bad for Souths on Monday, with winger Nathan Merritt (shoulder) and interchange forward Jason Clark (leg) both cleared of serious injury ahead of Saturday night's semi-final against Canberra at ANZ Stadium.

The news about King's arm comes as no shock after images of the veteran in tears in the dressing room after suffering the second-half injury in the 24-6 loss to Melbourne last Saturday.

Souths were hoping for a miracle but scans on Monday confirmed the break.

"King is unfortunately out for the season with an arm injury. Merritt and Clark no significant injury. More details tomorrow (Tuesday)," Souths tweeted on Monday.

A new left centre might not be the only change for Souths against the Raiders, with Issac Luke in the frame for a return to the starting line-up.

Luke could provide the Rabbitohs with some much needed early spark against Canberra.

Souths were blown away early by the Storm on Saturday, after with coach Michael Maguire again opting to start the promising Nathan Peats over Luke.

Luke was injected near the 20-minute mark but the Rabbitohs were already in trouble at that point before going into the halftime break down 18-0.

In his 58 minutes, Luke made 119 metres from nine runs and racked up 34 tackles with the Rabbitohs enjoying an improved second-half showing.

Peats had a tough time of it during his 43 minutes as the Storm dominated possession, the youngster getting through 35 tackles and picking up 34 metres from five runs.

"I don't know what Michael Maguire will be doing there ... I'm sure Michael Maguire will have the best 17 on the field," said co-captain Roy Asotasi when asked about Luke's possible selection at number 9.

Luke was dropped to NSW Cup last month for off-field issues and played one game for North Sydney before returning for Souths' win over Newcastle in the final game of the regular season.

AAP

Tags: rugby-league, nrl, redfern-2016, sydney-2000

First posted September 10, 2012 19:12:53

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Hoppa rules out mission rethink

Updated September 26, 2011 21:47:15

Will Hopoate admits leaving his Manly team-mates to complete a two-year Mormon mission after the grand final will be difficult, but he will not change his mind.

The 19-year-old winger has enjoyed a sensational first full season that included a try-scoring debut for New South Wales, in addition to playing in the premiership decider against the Warriors on Sunday.

While having no regrets about his religious path next year, he would be interested in joining Australia's Four Nations squad should national coach Tim Sheens call.

"The plan is still to do two years (as a missionary) and then come back and play the sport I love for Manly," Hopoate said.

"I am not too sure when I start, I will get a letter in the post telling where and when I am going.

"But if I was to get picked for Australia then I would like to stay and play before I go."

Hopoate says the opportunity to play in the grand final alongside close friends Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Darcy Lussick and Jamie Buhrer will make the occasion more memorable than his Origin debut.

The five played together in Manly's under 20 side and Hopoate says their bond is one of the keys to the team's success this year.

"It's very humbling that we have all come through together and we know each other's game well," he said.

"The grand final will be a bit bigger as I am playing with the boys and we are like brothers.

"The Origin camp has helped me prepare mentally for games and it's something I'm very grateful for."

Hopoate admits he suffers from nerves before big matches and Sunday will be no different, but NRL rookie of the year Cherry-Evans has no such problems.

"It's only early and there's no need to think about the game too much, it's only Monday," Cherry-Evans said.

Like Hopoate, the 22-year-old Queenslander's had a stellar first season but he is determined to make the most of the experience of grand final week.

"Joe Gulavao has been around the game for a long time and this is his third grand final and he's been a real gentleman to me," he said.

"He's told me to enjoy it and that you don't get the opportunity to play in too many grand finals, but don't get caught up in all of the hype."

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, manly-2095

First posted September 26, 2011 21:04:37

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Cowboys duo banned over alcohol rules

Posted April 12, 2011 12:18:00

North Queensland pair James Tamou and Blake Leary have been suspended for one week by the Cowboys' leadership group for breaking team alcohol rules.

The suspensions, endorsed by the club's administration, mean neither player is available to play in Saturday night's match against Canberra in Townsville.

Tamou and Leary broke a team rule, which stipulates alcohol may not be consumed during a playing week.

- AAP

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