South Sydney’s horror run with injuries has taken another hit, with outside back Isaiah Tass suffering a devastating knee injury while playing in the Murri Carnival.
The 25-year-old centre is expected to be sidelined for at least half of the 2026 season after its is expected scans will confirm a ruptured ACL.
Tass was representing his home town of Mackay in Queensland’s Murri Carnival last month, with his injury adding to a list of mishaps for NRL players participating in offseason tournaments over the years.
It’s another setback for the Rabbitohs, who have already endured a year of constant disruptions and were looking to rebuild for next season after finishing near the bottom of the ladder in 2025.
MORE: Stephen Crichton signs mammoth extension to remain a Bulldog
The club has moved to shore up depth in the outside backs, bringing in Warriors duo Ed Kosi and Moala Graham-Taufa, but the loss of Tass leaves a major hole in their backline depth.
While Indigenous carnivals such as the Murri and Koori Knockout are iconic events for indigienous communities that celebrate culture, Tass’ injury has reignited the debate about whether current NRL players should be participating in such tournaments while under contract.
Unlike other professional sports leagues around the world, where stars are tightly restricted from playing in unsanctioned competitions, rugby league in Australia has long had a looser approach to player participation in community tournaments.
This is not the first time NRL clubs have faced the fallout from players getting injured in off-season matches, with several stars in recent years suffering setbacks that derailed their pre-season and beyond.
Critics argue that while indigenous tournaments in particular are hugely important culturally, the risk of season-altering injuries for professional players is too great, particularly when clubs are investing millions of dollars into their welfare and performance.
On the other hand, many players see the tournaments as an unmissable chance to give back to their communities and play alongside family and friends in an environment far removed from the pressure of the NRL spotlight.
The NRL has so far left the decision up to players and clubs, but calls will only grow louder for stricter guidelines after yet another high-profile injury.
For the Rabbitohs, injuries in general — and particularly those suffered at knockout tournaments — are sadly nothing new.
Depth is key every season in the NRL if you want to climb back into premiership contention, and the Rabbitohs have lost some before the pre-season has even begun.