Wayne Bennett reveals Cameron Murray could miss six months as Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker firm as captain contenders

Wayne Bennett has revealed the return timeline of injured star Cameron Murray is worse than first thought, with the super coach now left to weigh up the likes of Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker to captain his Rabbitohs.

Wayne Bennett has revealed inspirational skipper Cameron Murray could be sidelined for up to six months as he considers Cody Walker or Latrell Mitchell for the South Sydney captaincy.

Bennett’s impending leadership decision comes as Australia coach and NRL Immortal Mal Meninga threw his support behind Mitchell captaining the Rabbitohs during Murray’s extended absence.

Bennett concedes Australia and NSW Origin forward Murray may not be seen in action until May in a crushing blow for South Sydney’s hopes of a finals fightback next season.

Murray underwent surgery on Tuesday and his damaged wrist will be immobilised in a cast for the next six weeks, with Rabbitohs medicos to determine a rehabilitation plan in mid-December.

The Souths ironman is set to be wiped out for the entire pre-season and Bennett fears he could miss the first 10 rounds of the 2025 premiership in what would be a huge setback for the Rabbitohs’ premiership prospects.

Murray has been ruled out of Sunday’s Pacific Championships final between Australia and Tonga at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium and Bennett says he is resigned to being without his champion skipper for some time.

Cameron Murray injured his wrist on international duty with the Kangaroos. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Murray’s injury will ignite debate about the length of the season – and potential implications on NRL club pre-seasons – with Bennett admitting Souths have felt the fallout of Australia’s Test calendar.

“Cameron has had surgery on his scaphoid so we’re looking at five to six months out,” Bennett said.

“It means a lot for Cameron to play for Australia and unfortunately that’s the price you pay sometimes.

“It’s a blow for us but I’m not going to stop guys playing for their country.

“He could be out for six months so I’m in no rush with the captaincy.”

Wayne Bennett is all smiles on his return to Redfern, but the super coach has some serious calls ahead of him. Picture: South Sydney Rabbitohs Instagram

Bennett won’t have to name a stand-in skipper until pre-season trials begin in February but the 74-year-old will assess a number of candidates, including Mitchell, Walker, Jack Wighton and Jai Arrow.

There is a view Mitchell can do without the pressures of captaincy given his drama-charged 2024 campaign but Bennett sees the two-time premiership winner as a spiritual leader at Redfern.

Latrell Mitchell is among the candidates for the Rabbitohs captaincy. Picture: Michael Pantaleone/South Sydney Rabbitohs

Cody Walker is another lead captaincy contender. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Bennett does not believe a short-term leadership stint would be an excessive burden for Mitchell and Meninga agrees, saying his Indigenous Test protege would relish filling the Murray void.

“Latrell has certainly got the aura,” said Meninga, who handed Mitchell his Test debut in 2018.

“To get the best out of Latrell, maybe it’s a smart move.

“I think he’s got that ability to be a leader, there’s no doubt about that.

“I’ve had Cam Murray in this camp (with Australia’s Pacific Championships squad) and he’s just a damn good person and a damn good player.

“If Wayne is looking to get some consistency and the best out of Latrell, I certainly think he’s up to it.”

Walker is another consideration for Bennett. The veteran pivot turns 35 in January and Bennett is keen to sign the off-contract Walker for at least another 12 months in 2026.

“Cody plays to a very high standard so I don’t see any reason why he can’t continue,” Bennett said.

“It won’t continue forever, I know that, but Cameron Smith showed us all you can play NRL at 37 and go well into your 30s.

“If Cody is enjoying it, it doesn’t have to be his last year.

“Cody hasn’t had a lot of injuries in his career, so his body is in pretty good shape.

“He is a great professional so I don’t think next year will be his last year.”

Originally published as Wayne Bennett reveals Cameron Murray could miss six months as Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker firm as captain contenders