John Sutton to play 250th game for South Sydney this weekend

JOHN Sutton will become the first player to notch 250 career games for South Sydney on Sunday — and he has done it the hard way.

John Sutton says the body is still up to the job.

THEY sure breed them tough in Maroubra.

John Sutton becomes the first player to notch 250 career games for South Sydney on Sunday — but he has done it the hard way.

Sutton has missed no less than 45 NRL games through various injuries, including a broken jaw, dislocated sternum, dislocated shoulder, broken hand, leg, and earlier this season a torn pectoral muscle.

But Sutton could not be happier to bring up the milestone against North Queensland, and has not ruled out pushing hard for 300 games, provided he can maintain form and fitness.

Sutton is off contract at the end of 2017, but at only 31 still has plenty of time to reach the triple ton, provided he lands a new deal.

While he does not have the same aura about him like high-profile teammates Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess, Sutton’s leadership qualities can never be questioned.

“The body feels great at the moment, so maybe the pec injury was a bit of a blessing in disguise,’’ Sutton said.

“I’d love to get to 300. As long as I can keep performing and stay healthy, who knows.

“I’ve had the pec injury, a broken jaw, two shoulder (injuries), I dislocated my sternum, which was my first big injury in 2005. I copped an elbow from Jason Croker.

“My bicep is also gone. When I flex there’s nothing there.

“(Playing) 250 is a big achievement for myself. I’d never thought I’d play 250, especially for the one club. It’s a dream come true.’’

Sutton’s family grew up in Maroubra — Rabbitohs heartland — and recalled countless afternoons cheering his mother’s favourite player, Phil Blake. A keen surfer, Sutton has not been out in the water since he injured his pectoral muscle.

The former captain enjoyed a victory when he passed Nathan Merritt’s former club record of 218 games, and two competition points on Sunday would be even more satisfying.

Souths desperately need to beat the Cowboys in Cairns to make sure they stay in touch with the eight.

The special occasion for Sutton will serve as extra motivation for his teammates, said Burgess.

“We should all celebrate it. For such a historic club, to be the first player to reach 250 games, that might come as a bit of a shock to some people, but if anyone is to do it first, for John, who is Souths through and through, it’s fitting,’’ Burgess said.

“He’s a character, we all know that, but he’s a fiercely loyal guy to his friends and teammates and family. Once you’re his friend, you’re a friend for life.’’

In good news for Bunnies fans, halfback Adam Reynolds wore a pink rehab shirt on Thursday, but was able to take part in the full field session at Redfern.

The No. 7 missed last weekend’s loss to Penrith because of two slipped discs in his neck, which he suffered during NSWs loss in Origin II.

But Reynolds is all but certain to tackle the Cowboys and Johnathan Thurston, the world’s best player he’ll do battle with for a third time in just over a month.

Originally published as John Sutton to play 250th game for South Sydney this weekend