South Sydney training analysis: Rabbitohs Round 4 backline takes shape; Latrell Mitchell injury update

A trio of high-profile South Sydney players were notable absentees from the club’s main training session. FATIMA KDOUH reveals how the Rabbitohs backline is taking shape ahead of Round 4.

• Early Mail: Return date for Dogs trio

Star centre Campbell Graham and injured winger Alex Johnston were notable absentees in South Sydney’s field session on Monday afternoon.

Both Graham and Johnston took part in a morning rehab session at Heffron Park, alongside superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell, who is scheduled to make an early return from a hamstring injury in round five.

But the trio did not take the field with the rest of the squad later in the afternoon for training, which was mostly a light drills session.

Graham, who missed last season with a sternum injury, finished last weekend’s clash with 143 metres but the centre was left battered and bruised.

At this stage Graham is not in doubt but was given the rest of Monday off after completing the morning rehab session.

Johnston is also scheduled to return from an Achilles injury on Thursday night against the Panthers.

Lewis Dodd and Mikaele Ravalawa have a chat during training. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The winger has been back running on the training paddock as he integrates back into the full training with the squad.

Given the 30-year old has not played since July last year, Bennett could opt to bring Johnston back through reserve grade in a bid to ease him into the NRL arena.

“He’s been jumping in with us at training now, he did a bit of work with us, some skills stuff with us last week as well,” playmaker Jayden Sullivan said.

“He’s been doing really well and ticking all the boxes to get back as quick as he can.

“The rehab boys did their own thing this morning, while we had a team meeting and did some video.”

Former Dragon Mikaele Ravalawa and Isiaah Tass trained on the right wing during drills, with Fletcher Myers on the left wing alongside Jack Wighton at centre.

The side also ran a small opposed drill with Englishman Lewis Dodd running with the reserve grade players.

Playmaker Sullivan, who has jumped ahead of Dodd in the halves pecking order, is expected to retain his spot on the bench.

He’ll face some competition to retain the No.14 jumper when Mitchell returns to the field with the fullback’s replacement, Jye Gray, in-line to retain a spot in Bennett’s 17 on the bench.

“I obviously want to play in the halves if I can, but if I’m in Wayne Bennett’s side with players like Cody Walker or Latrell (Mitchell) then I’m living life,” Sullivan said.

“I just want to keep playing good footy, keep smiling and hopefully stay in the team this year for as long as possible. That’s the aim 100 per cent.

Lewis Dodd remains down the playmaking pecking order. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Sullivan, who joined the Rabbitohs on a one-year deal from the Wests Tigers, has forged a close bond with veteran five-eighth Cody Walker with the halves duo working closely together since he arrived at the Rabbitohs.

“He’s been a massive help. He’s a real student of the game. He’s one of those players that watches every game of footy and he’s always asking me questions about games, and what I see and hear during training,” Sullivan said.

“He’s probably the most diligent footballer off the field as well, he’s been good to bounce things off every day. He’s so smart, he can go into coaching after footy.”

Originally published as South Sydney training analysis: Rabbitohs Round 4 backline takes shape; Latrell Mitchell injury update