Rabbitohs face injury crisis

Correspondent

South Sydney coach Jason Taylor faces a selection headache before this weekend’s clash at Penrith after Craig Wing, Michael Crocker, Fetuli Talanoa and Beau Champion were all ruled out with injury.

The Rabbitohs desperatley need a win to give their hopes of a top eight finish alive following their 22-14 defeat by the Gold Coast Titans.

Star halfback Craig Wing has suffered a hamstring strain while Queensland Origin prop Michael Crocker will miss the clash with an ankle injury.

Champion meanwhile will be kept out with a broken hand and Talanoa a knee problem.

“It’s disappointing to lose those quality players but it’s part of the game,” Taylor told The Australian.

“We’ve got some guys that are stinging for an opportunity so it’s good in that regard.

“We give ourselves a chance if we can keep winning. It’s only three games, it’s not if we’re talking about six or seven or eight games.

“It starts on Saturday night and they’ll be desperate after their loss – they’re grand finals being played three weeks out from the semis.

“It’s pretty good for the comp and it’s good to be involved in it.”