NRL

South Sydney has been dealt a major injury blow on the eve of the NRL finals, with experienced forward Euan Aitken ruled out for the remainder of the season.

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Aitken suffered a shoulder injury during the Rabbitohs’ 50-20 victory over the Sydney Roosters in their final game of the regular season, leaving the field in the 59th minute.

The Rabbitohs have since confirmed the 31-year-old suffered a fractured scapula, bringing his 2026 campaign to a premature end.

The setback comes at the worst possible time for South Sydney, with Wayne Bennett’s side preparing to host Newcastle at Allianz Stadium on Friday night in a do-or-die elimination final.

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Aitken made 18 appearances for the Rabbitohs this season and his absence strips Bennett of an experienced forward who has filled several roles throughout the year.

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The injury is also a cruel blow personally for Aitken, who has played just one finals match during his NRL career, coming during his rookie season with St George Illawarra in 2015.

South Sydney secured sixth position and a home elimination final with its emphatic victory over the Roosters, completing an impressive push into September after missing the finals in each of the previous two seasons.

The Rabbitohs are expected to welcome Tallis Duncan back after he missed the final regular-season game with a hamstring issue, providing an important reinforcement for Bennett’s forward pack.

However, Aitken’s season-ending injury removes another experienced option at the worst possible time, with South Sydney now preparing for a clash where one defeat will bring its season to an immediate end.

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