Rabbitohs hit hard by key injuries

South Sydney's slim finals chances copped another blow on Tuesday with Craig Wing,
Michael Crocker, Fetuli Talanoa and Beau Champion all ruled out of Saturday's
must-win clash with Penrith.
The quartet all sustained injuries in the Rabbitohs' 22-14 loss to the Gold Coast
last week and will miss the trip to Penrith's CUA Stadium where a loss would end any
chance at reaching the playoffs.
Wing is out with a hamstring strain, Crocker an ankle injury, Champion a broken hand
and Talanoa a knee complaint.
Toyota Cup centre Junior Vaivai has been handed his NRL debut in the centres after
scoring 20 tries in the youth competition this year.
Beau Falloon replaces Wing on the bench, while Jaiman Lowe is also on the
interchange with Scott Geddes to start at prop and David Fa'alogo shifted into
Crocker's position at lock.
Chris McQueen comes in for just his second NRL game on the wing for Talanoa.
Parramatta regain skipper Nathan Cayless (calf) for Friday's crucial NRL clash with
the Wests Tigers, but have told star Feleti Mateo to make his comeback from a biceps
injury with Wentworthville in the NSW Cup.
Mateo hasn't played since round 10 and despite being keen to join the red-hot Eels
at the SFS, he will be forced to make a low-key return against Central Coast at
Morrie Breen Oval on Saturday.
The Tigers lose prop John Skandalis (corked thigh) and have several other concerns
among their battered forward pack.
Skipper Robbie Farah (calf) and Keith Galloway (hand) both sat out training at
Concord Oval on Tuesday but are not in doubt for the game.
"None of us need any motivation to get ready for this game," said prop Todd Payten.
"Injury or not, we are well aware what significance this game has for our season."
Bulldogs fullback Luke Patten (ankle) is back for his side's Monday night clash with
the Sydney Roosters who have prop Nate Myles returning from a lengthy suspension for
defecating in a hotel corridor.
Myles replaces injured prop Lopini Paea who is out with a pectoral strain.
Canberra prop Scott Logan has been ruled out for the rest of the NRL season with a
fractured cheekbone, NSW centre Joel Monaghan taking his place in the side to face
the Warriors on Sunday.
Monaghan, back from a bruised knee, will play in the centres with Joel Thompson to
move into the back row and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs going to prop.
"(Monaghan) will need to get through the sessions later in the week to make sure
he's okay but we're confident he will be," said Raiders coach David Furner.
Warriors captain Steve Price (rib cartilage) and centre Jerome Ropati (shoulder)
have been recalled for the home side, Price playing his first game in three weeks.